Ukraine faces energy repair equipment shortage by winter 2027

Ukraine may face a shortage of equipment for repairing critical energy infrastructure by February-March 2027, as current reserves are being depleted by ongoing Russian attacks. Energy expert Oleksandr Kharchenko warned that stockpiles will last only a few months if strikes continue. Kharchenko stated that reserves are being consumed to restore damaged facilities, while new equipment deliveries are delayed. Procurement mechanisms are slow, with contracts sometimes unsigned seven to eight months after funding is allocated, and production taking an additional six to eight months. The expert noted that protecting key high-voltage substations from drones would allow repair crews to work faster, potentially reducing power cuts in Kyiv to four hours or less within a week. Kyiv's thermal plants are damaged, leaving the city dependent on external power supply.