German Galushchenko met with Special Envoy of the French President for Ukraine's Relief and Reconstruction Pierre Heilbronn

Minister of Energy of Ukraine German Galushchenko met with a French delegation headed by Pierre Heilbronn, Special Envoy of the French President for Ukraine's Relief and Reconstruction.

The parties discussed the key challenges caused by russia's military aggression and joint priority projects to restore the energy sector.

"The enemy does not stop shelling the energy infrastructure and, according to intelligence, intends to intensify attacks. As a result of russia's targeted strikes in February this year, more than 50% of gas production was lost. That is why the issue of increasing reserves in preparation for the heating season is particularly relevant. Our priorities today are defense, restoration of capacities after enemy shelling and development of nuclear generation as the basic power source for our country," the Minister of Energy said.

The meeting's participants also focused on mechanisms for further financing bilateral projects in strategic energy areas and expanding Ukraine's access to EU financial instruments.

The parties discussed the implementation of existing joint projects, including those in the nuclear energy sector, modernization of equipment and development of new capacities. The interim results and next steps of cooperation are to be presented at the Ukraine Recovery Conference to be held in Rome.

The Minister of Energy dwelled on the issue of the russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, where the situation remains critical. Due to constant shelling and lack of professional maintenance of equipment, there is a serious threat to nuclear and radiation safety throughout Europe. Therefore, it is important to make joint efforts to return the plant under Ukrainian control.

The Minister thanked the French side for its significant contribution to the restoration of Ukraine's critical infrastructure. In particular, for strengthening the priority sectors of the Ukrainian economy with a grant of EUR 200 million, of which EUR 60 million will be used to support the energy sector of Ukraine. France has also provided nearly 40 shipments of humanitarian aid and contributed nearly EUR 6 million to the Energy Support Fund for Ukraine to purchase equipment.