European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos visited a DTEK thermal power plant damaged in recent russian attacks, inspecting work to restore a facility that over one million Ukrainians depend on for electricity and heating during one of the harshest winters of the war.
The power station, which cannot be named for security reasons, is one of multiple civilian energy installations across Ukraine that have been heavily damaged in an unprecedented series of strikes since September. With winter temperatures across the country, the urgency of restoration work has never been greater.
Commissioner Kos's visit follows German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Katherina Reiche's recent trip to a DTEK power plant, during which Germany announced it would increase its contribution to Ukraine's Energy Support Fund to €60 million. During President Zelensky's official visit to Dublin on 2 December, Ireland also announced €25 million to support the restoration and protection of Ukraine's energy infrastructure and the provision of essential energy supplies. SCM extends its sincere gratitude to the European Union and its member states for their continued financial and technical support, as well as for critical equipment donations that are helping to keep Ukraine's energy system operational.
Since the full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine's energy infrastructure has been systematically targeted by russian forces. DTEK has reported over 210 strikes on its thermal power plants alone. In 2024, the company lost approximately 90% of its thermal generation capacity but is bringing power back online. In the first ten months of 2025, DTEK invested €285 million on the restoration of its power stations and coal mines, including €161 million directly in thermal power plant repairs.
This sustained effort reflects the strategy of SCM's shareholder, Rinat Akhmetov: that Ukrainian industry must do whatever is necessary to keep the lights on during this war, working in close partnership with European allies to achieve this vital humanitarian objective.
DTEK CEO Maxim Timchenko commented: "Ukraine faces critical weeks ahead as russia intensifies its bombardment on civilian energy infrastructure. We are working non-stop to repair terrible losses across our power plants, grids, coal mines and gas infrastructure. To power Ukraine this winter, we depend on the solidarity and support of international partners for equipment, funding and air defences."
SCM and our energy business DTEK urge international partners to provide funding and spare equipment to urgently restore energy infrastructure and to enhance the supply of air defence systems and ammunition to prevent further destruction.
