Minister of Energy of Ukraine German Galushchenko took part in an online meeting of the EU Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council. The meeting was attended by representatives of the EU member states and European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson.

Addressing his colleagues on the second anniversary of the occupation of ZNPP, the Head of the Ministry of Energy noted that the situation at the nuclear facility was becoming more dangerous every day.

Given the importance of ensuring nuclear and radiation safety, German Galushchenko called on his counterparts to strengthen sanctions against the aggressor country, in particular in the nuclear energy sector.

“The equipment at the plant is degrading, and the nuclear fuel is reaching the end of its service life. Every day, the problems at the occupied ZNPP are increasing, deepening and require urgent solutions,” added German Galushchenko.

The Minister of Energy of Ukraine also drew attention of the partners to the current situation in the energy sector.

“The enemy does not stop shelling. This winter, the russians have chosen a new tactic, concentrating their attacks mainly on energy facilities in industrial regions to influence the economy through the energy sector. However, despite these attacks, we ensured uninterrupted electricity supply to consumers and avoided scheduled outages. The Ukrainian power system has demonstrated its resilience,” the Minister said.

German Galushchenko stressed that the stable passage of the winter was achieved, in particular, due to the largest repair campaign at power facilities in the history of Ukraine.

“The equipment for the repairs was purchased, among other things, at the expense of the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, which was established on our joint initiative with European Commissioner Kadri Simson. I am grateful to all donors for their respective contributions, which allow us to restore and strengthen the Ukrainian energy sector. More than 170 Ukrainian energy companies are eligible for assistance under the Fund,” he said, adding that the Fund would play a major role in future restoration and repair work.

The Minister also stressed that Ukraine’s energy system was operating with a capacity surplus, so Ukraine was interested in increasing electricity exports to the EU. He thanked ENTSO-E for the decision to increase Ukraine’s export capacity to 550 MW per hour and expressed hope that the capacity would continue to grow.