A new agreement has been formalised, securing an additional EUR 10 million contribution from Italy to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund. Notably, these funds have been specifically allocated to support DTEK, Ukraine's largest private energy investor and a key asset within the SCM portfolio.
The agreement was signed on 21 May by Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal, the Ambassador of Italy to Ukraine, Carlo Formosa, and the Director of the Energy Community Secretariat, Artur Lorkowski. Representatives from DTEK were also co-signatories to the document, reflecting the targeted and practical nature of this financial assistance.
The newly allocated funds will be strategically directed towards the procurement of heavy vehicles and specialised machinery manufactured by Italian industrial companies. This equipment is absolutely essential for DTEK's dedicated field crews, who work continuously to repair and restore energy facilities and grid networks damaged by russia in the current war. By equipping these frontline teams with reliable Italian machinery, DTEK can accelerate critical recovery operations and maintain the delivery of essential power services to millions of Ukrainian citizens.
Italian Ambassador Carlo Formosa highlighted the strategic focus of the intervention during the signing. He noted that the contribution effectively utilises the advanced industrial capabilities of Italian enterprises to directly assist those working every day to restore damaged infrastructure. This approach not only aids Ukraine's immediate recovery requirements but also builds strong, practical commercial ties between our nations.
This latest financial commitment builds upon a solid foundation of robust support from the Italian state. Previous Italian contributions to the Energy Support Fund amounted to EUR 13 million. When encompassing multilateral, bilateral, and in-kind assistance, Italy's total commitment to Ukraine's energy sector now exceeds EUR 140 million. This positions Italy as one of the most reliable and consistent international partners in the complex task of restoring the national energy system.
During the discussions, Minister Denys Shmyhal emphasised that such support is critical for the resilience of the wider power system. The meetings also covered the broader integration of Ukraine into the European Union energy market and the preparation of mechanisms to attract further international investment, including vital initiatives to mitigate war-related risks for investors.
SCM remains fully committed to supporting DTEK in its mission to stabilise and rebuild the energy sector. We acknowledge the crucial coordinating role of the Energy Community Secretariat in ensuring that international assistance is channelled effectively and transparently to where it is needed most. The ongoing partnership between the Ukrainian government, European institutions, and international allies remains the cornerstone of Ukraine's energy security and future recovery.
