Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has met with European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson in Kyiv. The parties discussed the restoration of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure after Russian attacks and the stabilization of the country’s energy system.
The relevant statement was made by the Office of the President of Ukraine.
Zelensky thanked Simson for her visit to Ukraine at the time when the country’s energy infrastructure was facing Russia’s massive attacks with missiles and drones.
The President of Ukraine also noted the role of Kadri Simson in Ukraine’s accession to the European Network of Transmission System Operators (ENTSO-E). Zelensky reminded that, after accession, Ukraine began to export electricity to Europe and could act as one of the guarantors of the stability of the EU energy system.
“Unfortunately, due to Russia’s missile and suicide drone attacks on our energy system, we have suspended this process. But, I am sure we will restore everything and, in a calmer time, when the situation in our energy system is stabilized, we will continue to export electricity to Europe,” Zelensky stressed.
The President of Ukraine briefed the European Commissioner for Energy on the consequences of Russia’s energy terrorism, which had already seriously damaged about 40% of the country’s energy infrastructure, namely thermal power plants, combined heat and power plants, and hydroelectric power plants. Additionally, Zelensky told Simson about the measures taken by the Ukrainian side to stabilize the energy system.
The parties also discussed further steps to ensure Ukraine’s energy security.
Zelensky spoke in detail of Ukraine’s needs for the restoration of energy infrastructure and called on the European Commission to play a coordinating role in attracting assistance from EU member states.
The President of Ukraine drew attention to the expediency of creating a platform to support the Ukrainian economy, in particular the energy sector, similar to the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.
“Such a platform, such an “economic Ramstein”, is being built and will start working. Today, the issue of energy goes hand in hand with the financial crisis and the shortage of weapons, therefore such a platform should be created,” Zelensky noted.
The parties paid special attention to the further strengthening of energy sanctions against the Russian Federation. The President of Ukraine called for the introduction of price caps on Russian gas in addition to the price caps on oil, as well as limiting the supply of Russian liquefied gas to EU countries as part of the next sanctions package, which should be approved as soon as possible. (Ukrinform/Business World Magazine)
