The cost of protecting energy facilities in Kyiv Oblast rose to UAH 2.3 billion after project revisions, said Ruslan Oliinyk, Deputy Minister for Recovery, Infrastructure and Transport.
Revision of estimates increased the amount by UAH 500–600 million
At the start of the year, projects to protect priority 110 kV substations were estimated at UAH 1.7–1.8 billion; after adjustments the sum increased to UAH 2.3 billion, i.e. UAH 500–600 million above the initial estimate. According to Oliinyk, the adjustments followed new recommendations from the General Staff and included, among other things, an increase in the volume of metal structures for protective facilities.
“After taking into account the recommendations of the General Staff and adjusting the projects, the total cost rose to UAH 2.3 billion,” he said.
The state allocated UAH 1.1 billion, advances about UAH 700 million
The state has directed around UAH 1.1 billion to construct the second level of protection, of which roughly UAH 700 million has already been paid to contractors as advances. Separate funds from the regional budget are to be used for the first level of protection — big-bags filled with material to shield equipment from debris and indirect damage.
According to preliminary calculations, the materials and works already completed cost about UAH 1.2 billion, and construction sites have been supplied with metal for shelters and pre-detonation screens. The ministry plans to appeal to the government for additional funds. “This is a matter that requires resolution at the state level. The ministry will work on options for additional financing and will petition the government to allocate the necessary funds,” he said.
Work schedules and the impact of air raid alerts
Authorities expect to complete the main works before the onset of cold weather, provided financing is stable, materials are supplied on time and conditions for construction are favourable. At the same time, frequent air raid alerts force contractors to halt work and evacuate personnel, which reduces working time on sites.
“Every forced stoppage means not only lost working time. After the threat subsides it is necessary to return staff, bring equipment back into operation and resume technological processes,” he explained. Oliinyk declined to name an exact percentage of readiness for security reasons and said that, after establishing cooperation with the Kyiv Regional Military Administration (RMA), construction rates tripled. “With stable financing, proper supply of materials and no critical obstacles, contractors will be able to install protection for key facilities within the planned timeframe, including before winter arrives,” he said.
Engineering protection and preparation for winter
The second level of protection includes concrete shelters and pre-detonation screens, which are intended to reduce the risk of equipment damage and intercept airborne munitions before they strike the shelters. In addition to reinforcing substations, Kyiv Oblast’s winter preparedness plan includes the development of distributed generation and provision of backup power supply.
"No engineering protection can guarantee absolute safety, so it is important to prepare comprehensively," he said. Oliinyk also noted that the ministry, DTEK and other relevant services have identified measures to prepare the region for the new heating season, taking into account lessons from the previous winter.
