Extra gas imports determined by production losses due to Russian strikes – Dpty Minister of Energy

Ukraine will be forced to import additional gas due to the loss of its own production, and the volume of imports should be equal to the volume of losses, said Deputy Minister of Energy Mykola Kolisnyk.

"We are starting from a realistic scenario. I cannot provide specific figures, but the volume of gas imports is consistent with the amount we lose due to the strikes," said Kolisnyk during the Energy that Holds Ukraine event hosted by RBC in Kyiv.

He noted that the damaged equipment is being restored and the necessary import volume is "achievable."

He explained that, before the start of the autumn-winter period, a high import bar was set and met.

Kolisnyk added that gas reserves in underground storage facilities, plus additional imports, are what can be relied on during the cold period.

Later, he agreed with Volodymyr Omelchenko, the director of the Razumkov Center's Energy and Infrastructure Programs, who clarified that additional gas imports could amount to approximately 2 billion cubic meters.

According to Kolisnyk, Ukraine is currently working on various import financing sources, as well as all available logistics chains.

Natalia Boiko, a member of the Naftogaz Ukrainy Supervisory Board, did not refute media reports last week claiming that Ukraine lost approximately 60% of its daily gas production due to Russian attacks in early October.

Six massive attacks have been carried out on gas facilities since the beginning of October.