Minister of Energy of Ukraine German Galushchenko met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Ukraine Bridget Brink. The parties discussed a number of issues of bilateral cooperation to restore and reform Ukraine’s energy sector, strengthen the resilience of the energy system and ensure global energy security.

The Head of the Ministry of Energy briefed the Ambassador on the current situation in the Ukrainian energy system, particularly in light of the risks posed by russian military aggression. German Galushchenko drew particular attention to the threats to nuclear safety posed by the situation at the occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP and the information received by the Ukrainian special services about the russian federation’s intentions to launch a terrorist attack on a nuclear facility.

The Minister spoke about the large-scale exercises conducted by the emergency services to deal with the consequences of a possible terrorist attack at the ZNPP, including various scenarios and the scale of the disaster. The parties discussed possible U.S. assistance in monitoring the situation at the station, using the capabilities of the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

The parties also discussed the results of the Ukraine Recovery Conference held in London, pointing out the high potential for implementing the agreements reached and specific projects in the Ukrainian energy sector, as well as attracting private capital for their implementation.

German Galushchenko highlighted the measures taken to liberalise the Ukrainian energy market and integrate it with the European one. The Minister paid special attention to the successful certification of Ukrtransgaz as a gas storage operator in accordance with European regulations and the adopted law on the implementation of the European REMIT regulation, which would contribute to the demonopolisation of the Ukrainian market. The parties also discussed the need to ensure the transparency and efficiency of the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission.

The meeting also focused on preparations for the next heating season, which could take place amid continuing targeted russian attacks on energy infrastructure. The Head of the Ministry of Energy spoke about the large-scale repair campaign being carried out in preparation for the autumn/winter period, as well as equipment needs. He emphasised the need to increase the capacity of interconnectors between Ukraine and European countries to allow for a possible increase in electricity imports and stable electricity supply to the population during the difficult winter period.

The meeting also discussed the coordination of efforts in the international arena to strengthen the energy security of Ukraine and the European continent as a whole. Ukraine hopes that the United States will support Ukraine’s candidacy for the IAEA Board of Governors.