Abstract. Rising energy costs along with the Ukrainian war are widening the problems among the European population, while energy security remains one of the greatest challenges modern society encounters. This study examines how the energy crisis, exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, has disproportionately affected vulnerable groups across Europe. We use data from the Eurobarometer 514 and logistic regression to identify key factors contributing to energy poverty, such as income, household size, and regional disparities. We aim to identify the characteristics of energy-vulnerable European groups. The results indicate that low-income households, the elderly, and residents of Southern and Eastern Europe are particularly susceptible to rising energy costs. Furthermore, the study explores the broader geopolitical consequences of the war, emphasizing the urgent need for Europe to diversify its energy sources and reduce its reliance on Russian sources.

Keywords: energy poverty, vulnerable groups, logistic regression, Ukrainian war.