The support provided by international partners to Ukraine's energy sector has helped to protect and stabilize the country's power system, which has been operating in a zero-deficit regime for three weeks now.

This was emphasized by the Minister of Energy of Ukraine German Galushchenko in a conversation with journalists prior to the informal meeting of EU energy and transport ministers taking place in Stockholm today.

"I thank our partners for the support provided to Ukraine. It is assistance not only in the form of money but also all kinds of equipment. This enables us to withstand russian terrorist attacks against our energy infrastructure," said German Galushchenko.

The Minister of Energy noted that he planned to discuss with his European colleagues further coordination of actions in the international arena to increase pressure on russia and reduce its influence on energy markets, as well as cooperation in rebuilding the Ukrainian energy system.

During his visit to Stockholm, German Galushchenko held bilateral meetings with Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden Ebba Busch, as well as with the Ministers of Energy of Bulgaria Rossen Hristov and of Belgium Tinne Van der Straeten. The parties discussed issues of guaranteeing energy security, strengthening energy independence, and providing assistance to Ukraine in countering russian aggression.