Zelenskyy proposes "economic Ramstein": 40% of energy infrastructure damaged

EUROPEAN PRAVDA — TUESDAY, 1 NOVEMBER 2022, 17:39

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has discussed the next steps to ensure Ukraine’s energy security during a meeting with Kadri Simson, the EU Commissioner for Energy.

This is reported by European Pravda, citing the press service of the President of Ukraine. 

Zelenskyy informed the EU Commissioner about the consequences of Russia’s energy terrorism, which has already damaged approximately 40% of Ukraine’s entire energy infrastructure. This includes thermal power plants, cogeneration plants and hydroelectric power plants. He also elaborated on the measures that Ukraine is taking in order to stabilise the functioning of the energy supply network. 

"Unfortunately, we have suspended this process due to Russian missile strikes and kamikaze drone attacks on our territory. But I am convinced that we will restore everything and will continue exporting electricity to Europe in calmer times when the situation with our energy system is stable," the President emphasised. 

Zelenskyy spoke in detail about what Ukraine needs in order to rebuild its energy infrastructure and urged the EU Commission to play a coordinating role in securing assistance from EU member states.

Zelenskyy drew attention to the expediency of creating a platform similar to the Ramstein-format contact group to support the Ukrainian economy and its energy sector in particular.

"This platform, an ‘economic Ramstein’ of sorts, is being built and will start working. The issue of energy goes hand-in-hand with the financial crisis and the shortage of weapons, so a platform like this must be created," he said. 

The parties focused particularly on the further strengthening of energy sanctions against the Russian Federation.

Zelenskyy called for the introduction of price limits for Russian gas in addition to price limits for oil and for restrictions on the supply of Russian liquefied gas to EU countries, all within the next sanctions package. 

Simson arrived in Kyiv on Tuesday, 1 November, to increase support for the Ukrainian energy sector following Russian rocket attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

Approximately 30% of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure was damaged by Russian missiles on 10-11 October. Since then, the Russian Federation has launched further massive attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector. The last time was on the morning of 31 October.

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