Energy grid chief dismissal could impact Western aid, warns Oleksandr Kharchenko

The recent removal of the Chairman of the Board of NEC Ukrenergo has raised concerns about maintaining the trust of foreign partners, which is crucial to ensuring continued support.

Oleksandr Kharchenko, director of the Energy Research Center, voiced these concerns during a briefing at the Media Center Ukraine.

“As for me, the dismissal of NEC Ukrenergo Head Volodymyr Kudrytskyi isn’t just about his personal role or contributions,” Kharchenko noted. “While Kudrytskyi is undeniably a skilled manager who earned significant trust from foreign partners—trust that translated into USD 1.5 billion in aid—the real issue now is how to preserve that trust. We need to ensure that this vital assistance continues. Without it, our ability to keep the lights on this winter is in jeopardy. I’m not exaggerating,” he emphasized.

Oleksandr Kharchenko pointed out that the dismissal followed standard bureaucratic procedures, which include appointing an acting chief and announcing a competition for the permanent position at Ukrenergo.

However, Kharchenko stressed that in the current climate, it’s crucial for this selection process to be conducted swiftly, with utmost transparency, and in a manner that’s easily understood by both international partners and the energy community. “It’s essential that people and our partners clearly grasp what’s happening, how the selection is proceeding, and the qualifications of the candidates.”

An energy expert issued a stark warning, saying, “When you hear about shadowy interviews with certain candidates, it goes beyond mere breach of protocol—it borders on profanation and could be a direct path to losing our aid entirely. Mishandle this, and we risk losing crucial support entirely. “

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