Ukraine plans to get through winter using domestically produced gas for first time 

Oleksiy Chernyshov, CEO of Naftogaz, said this in a telethon.

"I would like to remind you that we are increasing the volume of gas produced by ourselves, and these figures are growing. This year, Naftogaz drilled a record number of new wells, and next year we will continue this trend. We are gradually abandoning the "tradition" of importing gas. We plan to get through this winter using gas produced in Ukraine, and our calculations confirm this possibility," Chernyshov said.

The company is confident that Ukraine will get through the heating season without any shocks, not only in terms of natural gas supply but also without any changes in the cost for the population.

"We are absolutely confident about the upcoming winter. We have enough gas and stable tariffs. I ask all consumers to take energy-efficient measures and treat this type of energy responsibly. Because this is Ukrainian production, our common achievement," added the CEO.

What is known about preparations for the new heating season

On 12 August, the Ministry of Energy reported that planned repairs at Ukraine's energy facilities were on schedule, but the worst situation with preparations for the new heating season was observed in the regions bordering Russia and in the frontline areas.

On 13 August, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that Ukraine was forming a multi-level defence of energy facilities.

On 18 August, it became known that protective structures were being erected around Trypillia and Zmiiv TPPs, which are part of Central Energy.

Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, chairman of the board of Ukrenergo, said that Ukraine is not relying only on air defence systems to prepare for the new heating season and possible new attacks on energy infrastructure.  

As of 19 September, the volume of natural gas in Ukrainian underground gas storage facilities reached 14.7 billion cubic metres. The planned amount of natural gas was pumped in ahead of schedule.

On 21 September, Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said that the Ukrainian energy system was fully prepared for the autumn-winter period.