The first batch of anthracite coal arrived to the Yuzhny Sea Commercial Port from the United States of America. Volodymyr Omelyan, the Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine, Ms. Marie L. Yovanovitch, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America in Ukraine, Maxim Stepanov, head of Odessa Regional State Administration took part in the ceremony.

Volodymyr Omelyan stressed that this is an important event both for Ukraine and for the USA: "This is not only a sign of successful bilateral business relations, but also a sign of support of Ukraine's energy security by our American partners and strong friendship."

As we all know, the Ukrainian government declared a state of emergency in the national energy sector in connection with the blockade of coal supplies from the occupied regions of Donbas. The ban on the import of coal actually left Ukrainian TPPs, which produce electricity, without anthracite.

"Petro Poroshenko, the President of Ukraine, during his visit to Washington, reached the agreement on the supply of American coal to Ukraine, and the Government, in turn, fulfilled all the necessary conditions and procedures to ensure first party of anthracite coal successfully arrive to Ukraine. It is very pleasant that systematic and cooperative work of the Ukrainian and American sides gives positive results in various spheres, in particular in energy sector", the Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine emphasized.

"We have been promised an energy blockade, but we found a decision. I am convinced that we will win the struggle. I am convinced that free and successful Ukraine is the future we should strive for. I am very happy that United States of America is a partner and ally of Ukraine, brotherly nation of Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression. My dream is that other ships coming from United States would bring Tesla cars and other electric cars, and we would supply electrical batteries and high-tech components to the USA, then this cooperation will be even stronger and more promising", Volodymyr Omelyan added.