Lithuania’s Energy Minister in Kyiv: Ukraine’s Energy Security Means Europe’s Security

On 23-26 April, Energy Minister Žygimantas Vaičiūnas visited Kyiv, where he participated in events marking the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster, met with Ukraine's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal, visited critical energy facilities in Kyiv, and inspected renewable energy projects implemented by Lithuania in Ukraine.

Energy Security in the Face of War

On 24 April, Energy Minister Vaičiūnas participated in a discussion at the Kyiv Security Forum on the lessons of the Chornobyl tragedy and contemporary energy security challenges. In his remarks, the minister emphasised that Russia's war in Ukraine has fundamentally changed attitudes toward energy infrastructure and nuclear safety.

"Chornobyl showed us just how high the price of mistakes can be. Today, Ukraine shows us just how strong the human spirit can be. If we have learned one thing over the past decades, it is this: security does not stem from fear, but from unity, responsibility, and the courage to act together. Lithuania remains steadfast in its support, working alongside partners to lay the groundwork for Ukraine's energy needs through the winter of 2026-2027. However, Ukraine urgently needs enhanced sky protection, as efforts to restore critical energy infrastructure must be reinforced with robust shielding to repel Russia's ongoing attacks even more effectively. In the area of air defence, we, as partners, have not yet done everything we can," Energy Minister Žygimantas Vaičiūnas emphasised.

During the visit, Mr Vaičiūnas met with Ukraine's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal, as well as Andriy Gerus, Chairman of the Energy Committee of the Verkhovna Rada. The meetings focused on the restoration of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the modernisation of the sector, preparations for the coming winter, and further bilateral cooperation in the energy sector.

Lessons from Chornobyl and Today's Challenges

On 26 April, Lithuania's Minister of Energy participated in commemorations marking the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster. During the visit, the Minister also attended a G7+ Ukraine Energy Coordination Group meeting. Key speakers included Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen, Commissioner for Economy and Productivity Valdis Dombrovskis, and Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi, among others.

Later, Energy Minister Vaičiūnas attended a commemoration ceremony marking the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster at the site of the former power plant in Pripyat, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy honoured the disaster responders and, together with President Maia Sandu of the Republic of Moldova and Ukrainian partners, paid tribute to the victims.

"Forty years ago, the Chornobyl disaster revealed to the world the disastrous consequences of technological errors, institutional secrecy, and a lack of accountability. This disaster fundamentally changed the global understanding of nuclear safety. Unfortunately, it has not remained merely a historical lesson; it is now taking on a new and far more dangerous dimension. Today, nuclear threats are no longer associated solely with accidents or system failures-Russia's aggression in Ukraine and deliberate attacks on nuclear facilities and the Chornobyl shelter pose new threats to the entire world. Ukraine is not only defending its sovereignty today-it is on the front lines of European and global energy security. Lithuania remains a partner to Ukraine, helping to strengthen the protection of its energy infrastructure and ensuring a reliable and resilient supply of energy components even under the most challenging conditions," the Minister of Energy stated.

The Minister of Energy also participated in an international conference on nuclear safety and reconstruction, at which Ukraine's partners adopted a joint statement emphasising the international community's commitment to nuclear safety, support for Ukraine, and the restoration of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant's protective shelter, which was damaged during Russia's brutal military attacks. The statement also underscores the need to strengthen joint action in response to the threats to nuclear safety posed by Russia, as well as the timely mobilisation of funds, which is essential to ensure nuclear safety and safeguard long-term international investments.

Lithuania's Support for Ukraine's Energy Sector

In the course of the visit, Energy Minister Vaičiūnas, together with Lithuanian Ambassador to Ukraine Inga Stanytė-Toločkienė, met with Šarūnas Radvilavičius, head of the Central Project Management Agency's (CPMA) Kyiv office, and the CPMA team working on Ukraine's European integration issues. The Minister visited several Lithuanian-funded renewable energy projects in Ukraine-the installation of solar power plants combined with energy storage systems in Ukrainian hospitals, schools, and kindergartens.

Lithuania previously allocated €5 million to this program; 13 such projects are currently operational, and all 26 first-phase sites will be completed in the near future. The project ensures the continued operation of critical facilities even in the event of a power outage and strengthens the resilience of Ukraine's energy system and its renewable electricity generation.

Moreover, this program saves lives. During a recent large-scale attack that caused a power outage, the solar power plant with an energy storage system installed under the program protected critical hospital equipment from damage and allowed it to continue operating.

In light of this project's success, additional funding is being sought to expand the initiative in collaboration with international partners and implement as many such projects as possible.

Lithuania continues to support Ukraine in the energy sector by providing emergency assistance and contributing to the long-term restoration and strengthening of the sector.