Ukraine is turning to energy companies themselves to help defend the country’s power infrastructure from Russian drones, creating a system that lets businesses fund and operate air defence but not control when it is used.
The shift comes as passive defences such as fortifications prove insufficient against sustained Russian attacks, according to a new report from Rasmussen Global and the European-Ukrainian Energy Agency. With the military unable to directly defend every energy facility, Ukraine is looking to private money and manpower to add another layer of protection.
In November 2025, the government adopted Resolution No. 1506, an experimental programme allowing enterprises to establish air-defence groups or contract authorised providers. Companies can supply personnel, equipment and financing, but the groups remain under military command.
