For tenacity and professionalism: energy workers of DTEK Kyiv Regional Grids have been awarded honors
Every day, company specialists are working in difficult conditions for Ukrainians to have electricity, and for hospitals, transport and critical infrastructure to continue functioning despite enemy attacks.
Eduard Kashkov, foreman of the technical connections implementation division of the distribution grids operation department, received the highest state honor in the energy industry — the title “Honored Energy Worker of Ukraine”. He has been working in the industry for over 30 years, took part in electricity restoration in the Kyiv region after de-occupation in 2022. At the same time, as an experienced supervisor, he is engaged in eliminating emergency damages after bad weather and enemy strikes, if needed. After the recent attacks in the Kyiv region in January 2026, the crew under his lead promptly restored electricity to the homes of the region’s residents, while working 24/7 despite difficult weather conditions — frost and glaze. He was also engaged in eliminating damages on the lines, caused by enemy strikes and falling of missile and drone fragments. In general, Eduard ensures connections in the region, being responsible for reliability and development of the region’s grids.
“During the war, electricity is a foundation of life: without electricity there is no communication, medicine or security. My job is my responsibility, and I clearly understand how important it is to act promptly to provide electricity to people’s homes as soon as possible. This is exactly why we are working every day, despite all risks,” — noted Eduard Kashkov.
Vitalii Pinchuk, lead engineer of the Substations repair and operation center at DTEK Kyiv Regional Grids, has received an honor of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, ІІІ degree. His commitment, professionalism and ability to act in the conditions of increased danger helped minimize the consequences of the attack and restore operation of the critical facility as soon as it was possible. During the massive attack on the energy infrastructure of the Kyiv region, one of the substations has been destroyed almost completely. Vitalii was the first one to inform about the drone attack and went to the site of the event. He assessed the scale of destruction, called emergency service and organized coordination of works. He then coordinated work of specialists, controlled the process of equipment repair and restoration of power supply to the customers.
“Our energy workers are holding their front — in professional and coordinated manner. I am proud of everyone who goes to the sites after the attacks, who is working daily in difficult conditions and restoring electricity to every home. It is thanks to such specialists that Kyiv region is still with electricity,” — noted DTEK Kyiv Regional Grids CEO Vitalii Shaida.
The honors received is recognition of the daily work of energy workers, who repair the grids after enemy attacks and provide electricity to thousands of families, hospitals and critical infrastructure facilities despite the danger. The light stays on thanks to the people — strong, responsible and committed to their cause.