Canada Deepens Energy Partnership with Ukraine, Pledges Support for Modernization and Renewables

Canada has announced plans to strengthen support for Ukraine’s battered energy sector, committing to supply oil and gas equipment on favorable terms and promote renewable energy investments as Kyiv struggles with ongoing Russian attacks on critical infrastructure. The two countries formalized a strategic energy partnership during talks in Paris, outlining cooperation to bolster Ukraine’s energy security amid continued wartime disruptions. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022, repeated strikes on power stations, transmission lines, and gas facilities have caused widespread outages. This week alone, attacks killed three people and left tens of thousands without electricity and heating. Under the agreement, Canada will work with domestic industry to transfer oil and gas sector equipment to Ukraine on concessional terms. It will also encourage Canadian companies to invest in renewable energy projects and the reconstruction of hydropower plants. Canadian Energy Minister Tim Hodgson described the initiative as “modernization under pressure,” emphasizing that the effort goes beyond rebuilding damaged infrastructure. The partnership includes cooperation on risk assessments to counter hybrid threats to energy facilities and closer commercial ties on nuclear fuel supply. Canada will also share technical expertise to help Ukraine diversify away from Russian gas sources. Although the deal is not legally binding and requires follow-up from private companies, it signals deeper economic and strategic alignment. Ukraine is emerging from its coldest winter since the invasion, with energy demand outstripping supply by roughly one-third. The strain has weighed on economic growth, prompting Ukraine’s central bank to downgrade its 2025 forecast.