Distinguished colleagues, fellow Ukrainians.
Defence capabilities and energy security are the two major issues for the Government today.
russia continues to attack our energy sector.
The energy system is integral. However, there is still a significant deficit in the system. This means that we can produce less electricity than we consume.
To improve the situation, we are working in two directions simultaneously.
We are restoring and increasing generation while reducing consumption.
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Regarding the restoration. Repairs are carried out 24/7. We involve the help of partners to the maximum extent possible. We have already accumulated EUR 500 million in the Energy Support Fund to purchase equipment.
This week we have signed a memorandum with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to support Ukraine's energy sector in the amount of EUR 300 million.
Today we approve a decision to raise another EUR 30 million from the German Development Bank (KfW). The funding will be used to reconstruct one of the substations in Lviv region. This will increase the resilience of our energy system and improve its integration with the European grid.
As for the generation increase, we rely on a decentralised energy system.
The Government is working with the Verkhovna Rada to prepare a draft law to remove customs duties and VAT on the import of all energy equipment and eliminate all customs formalities.
We are preparing a programme of soft loans for the purchase of energy equipment for both individuals and businesses.
We are scaling up gas generation. We are talking about gas turbine, gas piston and cogeneration units, as well as modular boiler houses. Simultaneously, we are increasing gas production. Over 5 months of this year, Naftogaz has launched 36 new wells and boosted production by 10%.
We simplify all grid connection procedures. We already have a corresponding decision.
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At the same time, we are working to reduce consumption.
We start with ourselves. All public authorities are tasked with reducing electricity consumption. Today, we are adopting a relevant governmental decree.
Ministries, central executive authorities, regional state administrations should refuse to use air conditioners, outdoor lighting of buildings and the surrounding area.
We also recommend that law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and other government agencies take similar steps. Local authorities should limit street lighting.
We call on businesses to limit the use of air conditioners and other energy-intensive equipment that is not critical for production activities.
The only exception is the use of air conditioners in hospitals and enterprises where air conditioning is part of the operational process.
I thank our power engineers.
I thank all those who take a responsible approach to electricity consumption.
I am grateful to our partners who are helping Ukraine in these challenging times.
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We continue to cooperate with our allies at all levels. Weapons, finance, energy, trade, logistics and many other sectors.
Today we adopt an agreement with Hungary that will allow the opening of the Velyka Palad - Nagyhódos checkpoint for passenger vehicles and expands the traffic at the Luzhanka - Beregsurány checkpoint, in particular for passenger traffic, freight traffic and empty trucks.
Moreover, we allocate an additional UAH 222 million to build border infrastructure with Poland and modernise the respective checkpoints. In particular, this concerns the purchase of mobile scanners.
Last month we launched joint customs and border control at the Reni checkpoint with Moldova. Border and customs formalities will now be carried out only on the Ukrainian side.
This will accelerate the movement of transport and is part of our project to create a convenient transport corridor to the Romanian port of Galați.
Another checkpoint on the border with Slovakia, Uzhhorod - Vyšné Nemecké, has also been modernised.
All these steps are a necessary part of our integration into the EU, as well as the improvement of our logistics.
We are working together for a strong Ukraine, for victory and recovery.
Thank you for your attention. Glory to Ukraine!