This report highlights key lessons learned from Ukraine in the context of Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure following the full-scale invasion in 2022.
The report focuses on operators of wind, solar, hydro, and nuclear power plants. The findings are based on interviews with stakeholders directly involved in Ukraine’s energy sector, along with insights from a Rasmussen Global field visit to Kyiv in late February 2025, as Ukraine marked the third anniversary of the devastating war launched by Russia. The report has been produced jointly by the Rasmussen Global teams in Copenhagen and Kyiv.
Ukraine’s energy system is highly centralised, in contrast to the decentralised energy networks found
across much of Europe. The war has underscored the need to decentralise Ukraine’s energy system.
This shift aligns with the expertise of companies, whose operations reflect the EU’s decentralized energy
model that Ukraine aspires to emulate. However, preparedness for missile or drone attacks on energy
infrastructure requires measures beyond decentralisation alone. It demands a robust framework of
physical, cyber, and personnel protection protocols – measures Ukrainian companies have been
compelled to adopt over the past three years to adapt to wartime realities.
At the fourth year of the full-scale invasion, it remains early to draw definitive conclusions about what
constitutes a resilient energy system in the current turbulent geopolitical context. However, there are
already valuable lessons emerging from Ukraine at both the operational (company) and policy
(governmental) levels regarding strengthening energy resilience and preparedness in anticipation of
potential hybrid or armed conflicts.
Companies in Europe should adopt a structured approach and review existing risk management
strategies to ensure these are fit-for-purpose in an era marked by increased geopolitical uncertainty.
Governments across Europe need to consider how best to support companies in these efforts, including
creating regulatory frameworks that enhance overall European energy resilience, particularly at the EU
level.
To read the full report: Resilience Under Fire