Ukraine discusses urgent support and protection of energy sector with G7 before winter
Ukraine continues active negotiations with international partners on expanding assistance to the energy sector before the start of the heating season, the Ministry of Energy has said.
"Ukraine's urgent needs for equipment and resources for rapid repairs after the Russian attacks and possible additional support mechanisms were discussed by Ukrainian Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk at a meeting of G7+ leaders," the ministry said.
The discussion was a continuation of an emergency meeting of the G7+ group that took place a few days earlier. During this time, Russia launched new massive attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, which again exacerbated the situation in front-line regions. The Ukrainian side informed the partners about the consequences of the attacks and the progress of restoration work.
"This year, the enemy has changed tactics, but not intentions. Russia is purposefully striking at energy facilities in frontline regions, trying to plunge the territories into complete darkness and cold. Among the enemy's goals is the Ukrainian gas infrastructure. She emphasized that any assistance from partners to restore and strengthen infrastructure protection, accumulate equipment reserves, and assist in creating additional reserves of imported natural gas on the eve of winter is important for us. We are grateful to the allies for the support they have already provided," Hrynchuk was quoted as saying.
According to her, a list of priority needs to support energy sustainability has already been formed, which will be transferred to the G7+ group.
"The provision of additional air defense systems to protect critical infrastructure, additional financial resources, assistance in the rapid search, delivery and installation of equipment that can functionally replace the damaged one are among our priorities. I am grateful for the words of support heard today from international partners, the willingness to strengthen cooperation within the framework of existing mechanisms and to seek new tools to strengthen our energy sustainability," the minister said.