Statement by Prime Minister of Ukraine at the Government session, August 30

Fellow Ukrainian citizens!

At the invitation of the Government, the mission of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) arrived in Ukraine and began work. The main goal is a visit to the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

Now russia has put all of Europe and the world on the verge of the first act of nuclear terrorism in the history of mankind. Constant shelling and provocations by russian troops on the territory of the ZNPP, placement of military equipment, russian troops and ammunition there, pressure on the station's personnel — all this can lead to unexpected effects.

We expect that on the outcome of a visit of the IAEA mission led by its Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, the territory of Zaporizhzhia NPP and Energodar will be demilitarized, while russian troops and equipment as well as rosatom workers will leave the territory of the plant. The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant must be brought back under the full control of Ukraine.

I want to thank the staff of the ZNPP, who faithfully perform their duties, despite all the pressure and threats from russia. Despite the pressure and treats, you continue your work and keep the situation on the plant under control. This is true heroism, which Ukraine and all Ukrainians value incredibly.

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The issue of the energy sector and preparation for the heating season was a key priority for the Government team. As of late August, it was possible to accumulate 2 million tons of coal in storages. This is almost three times more than by the corresponding date last year. Ukrainian mines work 24/7. We are forming all possible reserves.

Regarding the situation with gas. Moreover, as of the end of August, Ukraine reached an indicator of 13 billion cubic meters in underground storage facilities. Over the last month, more than 1 billion cubic meters of gas were pumped. We engage in active negotiations with our international partners to obtain funds for additional purchases of blue fuel. In particular, the Government of Norway plans to allocate at least EUR 200 million for appropriate support to Ukraine. Meanwhile, we are talking about the transfer of physical volumes of natural gas, and not only about funds for its purchase on European exchanges.

Tariffs for the population remain unchanged. The Government has agreed to 605 heat energy producers the fixed volumes of gas for heating and hot water supply through the period August 1, 2022 - March 31, 2023. The tariff —UAH 7,42 - remains unchanged. This will enable us to ensure a stable supply of heat in the homes of our citizens in the winter.

The program of thermal modernization of buildings was also in effect in order to reduce the consumption of energy resources. Through the Energy Efficiency Fund, almost UAH 300 million was paid as compensation during martial law to those who modernize their homes and reduce consumption.

In early September, the Government team will visit Brussels to hold the next Ukraine-EU Association Council. In this regard, I would like to inform you that a week ago there took place an inaugural meeting of the commission for a competition for the post of NABU Director. During the meeting, all six members of the commission were present, that is, the work of the commission actually started. On behalf of the Government, I ask the members of the commission to step up and speed up the process of selecting the head of NABU, as there are great expectations among the Ukrainian society and Ukraine's international partners on this issue.

In parallel with the visit to Brussels, according to him, a visit to Germany is also planned to tackle macro-financial assistance and increased arms supplies. On the eve of this visit, we have a good message from Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz regarding Germany's readiness to build up air defense and artillery for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Now Germany is among TOP 5 countries and institutions in terms of the amount of financial support for Ukraine. We also expect that the German leaders will further demonstrate leadership in order to provide Ukraine with the next tranche of macro-financial assistance from the EU in the amount of EUR 9 billion as soon as possible. So far, Ukraine has already received EUR 1 billion, and expects EUR 8 billion to be provided in the coming months.

In general, our international partners have directed to Ukraine USD 17.5 billion since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of russia. We are grateful to everyone for the help, which allows us to ensure the economic stability of our state. At the same time, such stability of the economy is the basis for victory in the war and the liberation of our territories from the occupiers.

It was not us who waged this war, but we will definitely end it with the victory of Ukraine. We continue our struggle, each doing his/her job.

Glory to Ukraine!