"Business as usual" with russia, rosatom and its subsidiaries should be stopped. We must cease the dependence of countries on russian nuclear fuel and services. This was emphasized by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal in his address to the energy ministers of the partner countries during a meeting of the International Advisory Council.

Denys Shmyhal reminded that since October 2022, hundreds of russian missiles and drones had been deliberately destroying Ukraine's energy infrastructure. And the largest in Europe Zaporizhzhia NPP has been occupied by russia since March 4 and turned into a military base.

"The russian federation has violated all principles of nuclear safety by committing numerous acts of nuclear terrorism at the state level. At the same time, russia maintains a leading position in the global nuclear market. In 2022, rosatom's revenue increased by 17% compared to 2021, and exports increased by 15% to USD 10 billion," Denys Shmyhal noted and emphasized that this money was obviously becoming a sponsor for the russian military budget.

According to the Prime Minister, some countries continue to cooperate with rosatom in the construction of new nuclear power units and many more countries depend on russian nuclear fuel and services: "This has to stop. We must send a clear message to the world that nuclear terrorism cannot be tolerated."

Denys Shmyhal reminded that Ukraine has proposed to add representatives of the russian nuclear industry to the 10th EU sanctions package. He also called for the use of all available means to force russia to leave the ZNPP.

The Prime Minister also announced steps to preserve Ukraine's energy system:

1. Repair damaged power transmission and distribution lines wherever possible.

2. Restore and decentralize generation wherever possible.

3. Implement energy efficiency programs.

4. Strengthen cross-border electricity trade.

"Right now, we need a lot of autotransformers, switchgear, insulators, connectors, poles, and so on. High-voltage equipment is a priority, but distribution networks also need to be repaired," the Prime Minister of Ukraine noted.

Denys Shmyhal thanked for the material and financial support provided by foreign governments and national companies to Ukraine.