An entire thermal power plant in Lithuania is being dismantled for transportation to Ukraine, a move highlighted by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The disclosure, reported by the Ukrainian broadcaster Unian, signals a tangible step in Kyiv’s energy-security push and a concrete example of European support turning into real assets on the ground. The plan involves the careful separation of the plant’s turbines, boilers, and auxiliary equipment from its foundations, followed by loading onto freight carriers and trains capable of long-distance travel across borders. Experts note that moving such large-scale equipment requires meticulous planning around safety, regulatory clearance, and the logistical hurdles posed by wartime conditions. Once reassembled, the plant could contribute to restoring power capacity in areas where shortages have repeatedly disrupted households and critical services. For Kyiv, this kind of asset transfer complements shorter-term aid like fuel supplies and emergency repair teams with a long-term restoration tool that can help stabilize regional grids. The announcement came as European leaders map out the next phase of economic and energy support for Ukraine. The details were confirmed by Unian and echoed by officials at the briefing, underscoring Brussels’ and Kyiv’s joint commitment to accelerate energy reconstruction in the face of ongoing pressure.
On September 10, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmygal reported that the Russian Armed Forces destroyed all thermal power plants that supplied electricity to Kharkiv. The destruction left thousands of residents without reliable power, complicating humanitarian relief and daily life in a city that has endured repeated strikes since the early days of the conflict. Ukrainian authorities warned that repairing the grid would require a combination of rapid power-plant restarts, repairs to distribution networks, and international support to secure spare parts and technical expertise. Shmygal characterized the incident as a significant blow to civilian infrastructure, while Kyiv urged partners to accelerate energy-recovery plans and to coordinate efforts on cross-border electricity exchanges to alleviate pressure on neighboring regions. Observers noted that such events underscore Ukraine’s need for durable, multinational energy-provision commitments beyond immediate humanitarian aid. The government did not report casualties related to the power outages and stressed that life-saving services remained operational in most districts of Kharkiv Oblast.
Early on September 20, von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv to discuss European support and progress on loans coordinated by the G7. She stated that the European Union would provide a €35 billion loan as part of its aid to Ukraine, a package designed to accelerate reconstruction and stabilize energy infrastructure amid the ongoing war. The loan was announced during her visit and is presented as part of a broader plan among G7 partners to mobilize additional funds using proceeds from Russian assets frozen in the European Union. EU officials described the arrangement as a pillar of long-term support for Ukraine’s economic resilience, while Kyiv emphasized the need for predictable, timely disbursements to keep districts powered and essential services running. Analysts noted that linking new lending to asset proceeds could help reduce the financial risk of sustained aid programs, though it requires careful governance and oversight. The public dialogue around the package highlighted the convergence of European energy policy with military and diplomatic objectives in the region. The statements were widely reported by EU officials and Kyiv-based news services.
Previously, Ukraine delivered Soviet power equipment, reflecting a history of energy infrastructure transfers in the region. The shipments included legacy transformers, turbines, and related components that, despite their age, could be refurbished or adapted to modern grids with international technical support. This dynamic illustrates Ukraine’s role in the broader energy-relief network, balancing domestic needs with international assistance. In recent years Kyiv has worked to replace outdated Soviet equipment with modern technology, funded by European grants and loans and by private-sector investments. The current emphasis on reusing large-scale assets, such as the dismantled Lithuanian plant, demonstrates a practical approach to energy security that blends immediate relief with long-term capacity expansion. Observers say this strategy helps maintain Western commitment to Ukraine’s energy resilience even as the conflict persists.