Yesterday's statement by V. Klitschko indicates not only a critical deficit of funds for Kyiv's preparations for the coming winter but also a lack of normal cooperation between the Kyiv City State Administration (KSCA) and the Government.
Kyiv is entering preparations for the next winter facing one of the most serious challenges of the entire full-scale war. This is not just about repairing a single CHP plant or a lack of money in the city budget; it is about the capital's ability to guarantee heat for millions of people in the event of new Russian strikes on energy infrastructure.
In this context, it must be understood that during the heating season, the city does not merely become a frontline city—it becomes a true front where the fate of the war is decided, just as it is in the Donbas. The enemy realizes this very well, sparing neither expensive ballistic missiles nor advanced drones to destroy the heat supply system. Do our leaders fully realize this?
The Problem
According to public estimates, Kyiv's full energy resilience plan requires over UAH 60 billion (~$1.37 billion). Specifically, the situation surrounding CHP-5 is most acute: approximately UAH 9 billion (~$205 million) is needed for equipment and the creation of a backup heat supply system, with an urgent deficit estimated at around UAH 3 billion (~$68 million).
This is no longer a field for political accusations between the Government and the KSCA. This is a matter of national security, the resilience of the capital, and citizens' trust in the authorities. If time is lost now, by autumn the country may be discussing real risks to the heating season rather than budget deficits.
The main mistake to avoid is mixing all needs into one large figure. The complete modernization of Kyiv's energy resilience is a strategic task for several years. However, the critical minimum for the 2026/2027 winter must be funded, contracted, and executed within the shortest possible timeframe.
What Needs to be Done
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Immediately set aside political ambitions and create a joint Action Plan involving the Government, KSCA, Kyivteploenergo, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Development, NEURC, and the State Agency for Restoration.
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Divide the problem into three levels: the critical minimum for this winter; restoration and backup for the CHP-5 zone; and long-term modernization of Kyiv's energy resilience for 2026–2028. Each level must have a separate cost, a dedicated funding source, and a specific execution schedule.
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The Government must formally document which funds are being allocated, for which facilities, within what timeframe, and who is responsible for the result. General promises no longer work. A financial schedule approved by a Cabinet of Ministers decision is required.
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The KSCA must present a clear readiness matrix within the Action Plan: facility — technical solution — cost — funding source — contractor — contract date — launch date — responsible official.
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Priority should be given to guaranteeing minimum heat in homes. This requires gas cogeneration units, mobile boiler houses, backup power for pumping stations, and interconnections between heat networks.
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Cut bureaucracy to the maximum: rapid allocation of sites, simplified procurement, and strict control over equipment delivery times.
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Involve Kyiv-based businesses in investment projects. The central offices of Ukraine’s largest companies (Energoatom, GTSOU, Ukrnafta, Naftogaz) are located in Kyiv. Their employees and families also depend on the stability of the city's infrastructure.
Critical Minimum for Winter
By the start of the heating season, specific physical capabilities must be ensured rather than abstract indicators: backup heat supply for the most vulnerable zones, modular boiler houses, and protection of critical elements.
This specific block must receive 100% guaranteed funding. Everything that does not impact the passage of the upcoming winter can be planned in a medium-term package. However, items that affect heat in homes must be addressed as a first priority.
The main conclusion is simple: Kyiv needs a war for time, not a war of words. Every week lost today is an additional risk for the capital in winter. And heat in Kyiv is not just a utility service—it is a matter of state resilience during wartime.
