Special Focus

Essay of the Winner of the Contest, Julia Zhuk

Energy security is one of the most important components of national security for any country, including Ukraine. This term covers a comprehensive set of issues that allow the sustainable, reliable, and efficient operation of the energy sector of the country, is crucial for its economic growth, social development, and national security. The dependence on imported energy sources, in particular coal and gas, makes Ukraine especially vulnerable to external influences and geopolitical risks. The energy security of Ukraine is also related to ecology issues, such as air pollution and climate change, as a considerable amount of energy is generated using coal.

Since 2018, USAID through its Energy Security Project (ESP) has been providing comprehensive technical assistance to the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine (MoE). This assistance is aimed at strengthening the country's energy security, integrating Ukrainian energy markets into European ones, and reforming the energy sector following the principles of sustainable and reliable energy supplies, energy affordability for Ukrainians, and efficient operation and development of energy infrastructure.

February 24 marks one year of full-scale Russian invasion in Ukraine. The United States Government continues its unabated support to the Government of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. USAID’s Energy Security Project (ESP) is leading the charge to restore the energy sector, rehabilitating critical infrastructure destroyed by Russia’s bombing and building enhanced system resiliency so the...

Energy is a strategically important economic realm – the proper functioning of all economic sectors requires a reliable, sustainable, and safe energy sector.

Energy security means confidence that affordable and quality fuels and energy are available and will remain available both under normal conditions and in emergency situations. In other words, energy security means the protection of the country, its citizens, and its economy from any energy deficit.

The energy security of Ukraine is seen as an integral component of its wider national security. It is also vital for the energy security of Europe.