Ukraine over 70% ready for new heating season: Oleksii Kuleba

During the Government Question Time, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine and Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksii Kuleba reported on the country’s winter preparations.

“Preparations began in spring, right after the last winter ended. Over the summer, we conducted repairs, replaced equipment, and built reserves. Today, readiness exceeds 70%, an interim result in line with the plan. Preparations continue, with the goal of completing all measures before the season starts,” said Oleksii Kuleba.

Housing Stock: Of 145,000 planned buildings, over 103,000 (71%) are ready. Over 7,000 buildings have repaired roofs, 16,000 have upgraded heating systems, 21,000 have improved water supply, and 18,000 have restored electrical networks, ensuring stable conditions for millions of families.

Social Sector: Of 25,000 planned facilities, nearly 19,500 are ready, including over 7,000 kindergartens, 9,000 educational institutions, and nearly 3,000 hospitals, ensuring warm classrooms and uninterrupted hospital services.

Water Supply and Sewage: Over 1,200 km of water pipelines and 200 km of sewage networks are prepared. Over 2,500 water pumping stations, 1,600 sewage stations, and 7,500 boreholes are operational, with generators and fuel secured for power outages.

Heating: Of over 17,500 boiler houses, 13,000 (76%) are ready. 238 boilers have been replaced, and over 200 repaired. Nearly 13,000 km of heating networks are prepared.

Fuel Reserves: Boiler houses have 90,000 tonnes of coal, 85,000 tonnes of liquid fuel, 585,000 cubic metres of firewood, and 32,000 tonnes of pellets. Thermal power plants have 2.4 million tonnes of coal, and gas storage holds nearly 11 billion cubic metres.

Road Infrastructure: Over 7 million square metres of road surfaces have been repaired, nearly 4,000 units of specialised equipment are ready, and over 660,000 tonnes of de-icing materials are stockpiled, vital for civilians, humanitarian transport, military logistics, and emergency services.

Cogeneration: Cogeneration units, producing both heat and electricity, reduce reliance on large facilities and enhance system resilience. Of 908 needed units, donors have confirmed 551, with 189 already operational, contributing 145 megawatts to the grid.

“This is our fourth heating season during the full-scale invasion. russia has damaged or destroyed nearly 1,000 critical infrastructure and life-support facilities, with over half already restored. We are preparing for all scenarios to ensure a stable heating season.

I’m grateful to every utility worker, energy specialist, builder, local authority, and everyone preparing our cities and villages for winter,” emphasised Oleksii Kuleba.

Last week, the Government approved a support programme for frontline regions, covering 238 communities with over 6.6 million residents, with a focus on ensuring a stable heating season.

Every household heating independently will receive UAH 19,400 for firewood, coal, or pellets, with payments from September to October.

Additionally, households in frontline communities will receive a monthly 100 kWh electricity subsidy starting in October.