UN Resident Coordinator in Ukraine Matthias Schmale. Matthias Schmale calls for urgent action to protect Ukraine’s energy infrastructure Peace and Security
UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine Matthias Schmale has called for urgent action to ensure the security of the country’s energy infrastructure. Speaking at the event “Protecting Ukraine’s Critical Energy Infrastructure from Russian Attacks During Wartime,” he pointed to the devastating consequences of systematic attacks on energy facilities, especially during the harsh winter period.
A crisis affecting the entire country
More than 60 percent of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has been destroyed or damaged since 2022, according to data from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). According to Shmale, targeted attacks on energy facilities are a serious violation of international humanitarian law and have catastrophic consequences for the civilian population.
“Traveling around Ukraine, I have seen first-hand how the disruption of essential services is putting vulnerable people at risk, forcing them to flee their homes in freezing temperatures,” Shmale said. He painted a grim picture of families struggling to survive in freezing homes without electricity or heat. Among those suffering the most are the elderly, residents of multi-story buildings, and internally displaced persons.
Response
Shmale praised the Ukrainian government’s efforts to overcome the crisis. He paid particular attention in his speech to the restoration of damaged infrastructure and the creation of “invincibility points” in cities where residents can get hot food, use hygiene services, and charge their mobile devices. Autonomous generators have been installed at key social infrastructure facilities, including hospitals, allowing the population to continue to receive vital services in the context of the ongoing war.
But these measures may not be enough if attacks on energy infrastructure continue, he warned. Mayors and governors, particularly in cities such as Dnipro and Nikolaev, have expressed serious concerns that the winter could be extremely difficult for residents of high-rise buildings.
UN Winter Response Plan
To mitigate the crisis, the UN has developed a Winter Response Plan – with the aim of assisting 1.8 million people. The plan includes providing over 500 megawatts of decentralized and solar energy to rebuild damaged infrastructure; providing generators and fuel for health facilities and critical civilian infrastructure; providing vulnerable families with winter clothing, insulation, and financial assistance to pay utility bills; creating safe and warm living conditions for internally displaced persons in collective shelters.
“The UN is working closely with the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine and local authorities to mobilize resources for urgent repairs and the development of decentralized energy solutions,” Schmale added.
Sustainable Solutions for the Future
In addition to addressing current issues, Schmale stressed the need for medium- and long-term measures. The recommendations of UN agencies include diversifying energy sources through the use of renewable resources, expanding the capacity of the energy system for integration with the EU, and increasing energy efficiency.
Schmale also recalled that attacks on civilian infrastructure are a gross violation of international humanitarian law. The UN continues to document and report on the consequences of such attacks, providing Ukraine with comprehensive support.
The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine called on international partners to continue providing assistance to the country, focusing efforts on three key areas: prioritizing urgent humanitarian measures; protecting and supporting vulnerable groups; and combining humanitarian assistance with long-term recovery measures.
“By joining forces, we can turn solidarity into concrete actions, preserve hope and provide real assistance to those who are most in need of support,” concluded Schmale.