During the opening seminar of the Vaasa Energy Week, Ukrainian Ambassador to Finland, Mykhailo Vydoinyk, addressed the strategic implications of energy politics, particularly how Russia has utilized gas and oil to further its military conquests, referencing the annexation of Crimea and the invasion of Donbas since 2014. He critiqued the notion that the Nord Stream 2 project was merely a business venture, arguing that it held significant political consequences. Vydoinyk emphasized that many European politicians dismissed the political ramifications of Nord Stream 2, asserting it would not influence conflicts, but history has proven otherwise.

Vydoinyk pointed out that the completion of Nord Stream 2 in 2021 removed one of the last barriers that could delay a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which subsequently occurred in 2022. His remarks serve as a reminder of the intricate connection between energy supply and military actions, especially in the context of Russia's aggressions. This framing underlines the ongoing vulnerability of Ukraine, which is gearing up for the challenges of a harsh winter amid the energy crisis exacerbated by the war.

The ambassador's emphasis on preparing for a new winter of conflict underlines the urgent need for Ukraine to fortify its energy infrastructure and maintain resilience in the face of ongoing hostilities. His observations are critical, especially as European countries also navigate the complexities of energy dependence on Russian supplies, amidst an escalating geopolitical landscape. With potential impacts on energy policies in Europe, the message from Vydoinyk resonates well beyond Ukraine’s borders, highlighting the global stakes in energy security and military strategy.