As world leaders gathered at the World Economic Forum 2026, DTEK CEO Maxim Timchenko used the Davos platform to share a clear message: Ukraine is facing a severe energy and humanitarian crisis in freezing temperatures. At the same time, the country is developing decentralised energy solutions that offer lessons beyond its borders.
Global media reported from the frontline, showing how Ukraine’s fight to keep the lights on today matters for global energy security tomorrow.
Media highlights
Reuters
Covered DTEK’s call for any future peace agreement to include an immediate halt to attacks on energy infrastructure.
"We need an energy ceasefire."
Read the article here.
CNBC
Speaking live from Davos, Mr. Timchenko explained the severity of the situation in Ukraine and how decentralized energy systems and cyber-physical defences are becoming critical solutions for survival.
"russia is not winning on the military frontline so it commits energy terror against innocent children and women in cities like Kyiv, Odesa and Dnipro.” … "crucial lessons for global energy security in an increasingly unstable world."
Watch the full interview here.
The Times
Highlighted urgent appeals to European energy companies and banks as attacks leave people without electricity for up to 20 hours a day.
"If you want to understand what energy terror is in the 21st century, you should come to Ukraine and visit our cities. russia is doing everything it can to bring Ukraine to a humanitarian catastrophe, leaving people without electricity and heat in temperatures as low as -15.”
Read the article here.
Bloomberg
Reported on russian overnight attacks that left more than 5,000 buildings in Kyiv without heating during freezing temperatures.
"We went through three winters, and we will get through this winter. But every winter becomes more difficult for us."
Read the article here.
Deutsche Welle
Warned that attacks on civilian energy infrastructure pose a wider security threat to Europe. Mr. Timchenko stressed that Ukraine is fighting not only for its own freedom but also for Europe’s independence from russian gas.
Watch the interview here.
Euronews
Interviewed Mr. Timchenko during a blackout in Kyiv, as thousands of buildings remained without heating.
"The situation is extremely difficult. We need support. We need help."
Watch the interview here.
Politico
Highlighted the strategic timing of attacks during extreme cold and the strain on repair capacity.
"With stations and substations continually struck it is getting harder to repair them. They're firing everything they have to try to destroy the energy infrastructure – ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and all types of drones. We only have three or four hours of electricity during the day. And with interruptions in heat supplies, whole apartment blocks have been without heat for a week."
Read the article here.
