Ukraine Plans 30% Gas Import Increase Amid Russian Strikes

Ukraine plans to increase its natural gas imports by approximately 30% in response to extensive Russian airstrikes targeting its energy infrastructure, which have severely damaged gas production and electricity facilities. Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk has engaged with G7 countries and international financial institutions to secure additional loans and grants aimed at boosting gas import capacity, potentially adding 1.5 billion cubic meters to the initially planned 4.6 billion cubic meters of imports. Recent Russian strikes have caused widespread power outages in regions such as Chernihiv, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia, and have damaged critical gas production sites, including those managed by Naftogaz and DTEK. Deputy Energy Minister Artem Nekrasov highlighted urgent needs for physical and air defense systems and energy equipment repairs, with Ukrainian authorities notifying international partners of the critical situation. Meanwhile, the U.S. has announced plans to share intelligence with Ukraine to improve the accuracy of strikes on Russian oil and gas facilities, although supplying long-range Tomahawk missiles remains unlikely. These coordinated efforts underscore Ukraine's urgent drive to fortify its energy security amid ongoing conflict and infrastructure attacks.