G7 and partners vow to support Ukraine's energy sector, US says

The G7 and other partners pledged last week to continue their support for Ukraine's energy industry, including delivering humanitarian aid during winter, according to the US State Department after a meeting with the group's foreign minsters.

The meeting was hosted by US Secretary Of State Antony Blinken, and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasahayashi. Both countries pledged to continue to coordinate on Ukraine's efforts "modernize and reduce its energy grid", according to the department after the virtual meeting.

According to the State Department, foreign ministers have reiterated their calls for Russia's halt to attacks on Ukraine’s heating and energy systems.

It stated that the group had committed to coordinating its efforts to continue its close coordination and deliver humanitarian aid and equipment this winter, procure necessary infrastructure and support Ukraine’s long-term vision of modernizing and decarbonizing its energy grid and integrating with the European system.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine last February, tens of thousands have been killed and many millions forced from their homes.

Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine's Prime Minister, stated Tuesday that his country continues to cooperate with partners to accelerate repair works to recover generating or distribution facilities. He also said that the goal is to reduce centralisation of the energy system and to implement new energy efficiency programs.

Shmyhal stated that Ukraine has sufficient coal and gas reserves to last the winter, despite repeated Russian attacks.

He said that although the situation in the sector was difficult, it was under control following a Russian campaign of missile and drone strikes on crucial infrastructure for months. This campaign caused damage to about 40% of the country's energy system.

Unseasonably warm December and January weather aside, all regions of Ukraine are currently experiencing scheduled electricity shut downs because of an energy shortage. Ukrenergo, the grid operator, said that energy production had increased this week.

Share this article: