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Issue Brief August 2, 2023

Transforming Ukraine into a European energy hub

By Richard L. Morningstar, András Simonyi, Olga Khakova, and Paddy Ryan

Russia’s unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine has caused untold devastation to the country’s civilian infrastructure. Despite Russia’s persistent attacks, Ukraine has demonstrated resolve to defend itself.

It is in the interest of the United States and the European Union that Ukraine not only wins the war and recovers rapidly, but also—with transatlantic support—embarks on a fast-track modernization to bring its political and economic systems in line with European standards. In these efforts, energy will play an important role. 

There is growing understanding in the United States and Europe that Ukraine can be a critical pillar of Europe’s energy security and green transition. Capitalizing on the tremendous potential of a post-war Ukrainian energy sector is also the best antidote to the dangers of returning to the pre-war energy relationship with Russia. 

This brief explores the potential for Ukraine’s energy sector to strengthen European energy security and decarbonization objectives. It examines how Ukraine can reform its energy sector to attract investment and create new revenue streams, and how transatlantic partners in government and the private sector can support Ukraine’s clean energy transformation.

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Image: The destroyed Nova Kakhovka dam, town of Beryslav, and Dnipro river bank, dried up after water level sharply dropped following the collapse of the dam, are seen from the town of Nova Kakhovka in Kherson, July 5, 2023. REUTERS/Alexander Ermochenko