The energy challenges facing Europe were discussed by the leaders of the European countries at the meeting of the thematic roundtable Energy, Climate and Economy on the sidelines of the European Political Community in Prague. The Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal also took part in the event.

According to the Head of the Government, the most important task for today is demilitarization and the return of Ukraine's full control over the Zaporizhzhia NPP.

Denys Shmyhal is convinced that it is vital to send a special EU and UN mission to the ZNPP, the purpose of which will be the demilitarization of the plant and the 30-kilometer zone around it. According to him, russia should be held to account for building up a military presence at the station, shelling nuclear facilities and abducting personnel of the plant.

The Prime Minister emphasized, it is critical to prolong the sanctions pressure on the russian federation, especially pertaining to energy resources, until the russian troops are withdrawn from the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine and until russia pays for all its crimes. In addition, in his opinion, every country in Europe should already work on reducing dependence on russian energy resources.

The Prime Minister assures that Ukraine can contribute to Europe's energy security by providing its underground gas storage facilities. And having complete control over the ZNPP, our state is capable of supplying large volumes of electricity to Europe. Also, Ukraine has significant potential for gas, hydrogen production, and the development of renewable energy sources.

According to the Head of the Government, with the support of international partners, our state can introduce the "green model" in the process of post-war reconstruction. According to him, the rehabilitation of the energy sector of Ukraine after the victory will become the most attractive area for investments into construction and future development of technologies.