Deputy Minister for Reconstruction, Infrastructure and Transport of Ukraine Volodymyr Shemayev held a meeting with the Head of the Service for Foreign Policy Instruments of the European Commission, Peter Wagner.
The parties discussed in detail the key challenges and urgent needs of Ukraine in the context of a full-scale war, in particular the stability of logistics chains, the energy sustainability of the regions and the consequences of enemy shelling of transport infrastructure.
During the meeting, special attention was focused on supporting the railway industry and updating rolling stock. In particular, the participants discussed the needs of Ukrzaliznytsia in used locomotives, spare parts and equipment. This is necessary to ensure uninterrupted transportation of passengers and cargo both within the country and on international routes with EU countries.
A separate focus on preparing communities for winter and resilience plans. The meeting also discussed the state of readiness of Ukrainian communities for the heating season, the implementation of projects to decentralize energy supply, the establishment of alternative power sources, etc.
In addition, the European delegation was briefed in detail on the consequences of targeted enemy strikes on state border crossing points. The meeting participants considered steps for the prompt restoration and modernization of border infrastructure in order to maintain the throughput capacity of export-import corridors.
“The European Union remains our key and reliable partner in the fight against the aggressor and the reconstruction of Ukraine. Today, it is critically important for us to ensure stable operation of the railway, prepare communities for a difficult winter, and protect logistical arteries and checkpoints from destructive enemy attacks. We highly appreciate the assistance of European partners from the first day of the invasion and look forward to further coordination of efforts to strengthen the resilience of our infrastructure and its full integration into the European space,” said Volodymyr Shemayev.
The meeting was another important step in deepening cooperation between Ukraine and the European Commission in the context of an operational response to the challenges of war. (Infrastructure Ministry)