Expanding energy cooperation between Ukraine and Türkiye: new opportunities and challenges

Ukraine’s Minister of Energy, Svitlana Grynchuk, held a meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Ukraine, Mustafa Levent Bilgen, during which the parties discussed expanding cooperation in the energy sector and protecting energy infrastructure.

Svitlana Grynchuk and Mustafa Levent Bilgen explored prospects for developing bilateral projects, particularly in the areas of natural gas supply and storage. Special attention was given to expanding the capabilities of the Trans-Balkan Gas Transport Corridor, which enables the transportation of gas to Ukraine from Southeastern Europe and via the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) from Türkiye for domestic consumption and further supply to Eastern and Central European markets.

The Minister informed the Turkish side about the importance of intensifying the work of the joint energy working group to exchange expertise, foster new partnerships, and implement modern technologies. It was agreed to update framework agreements by signing a series of documents currently being developed by Ukrainian and Turkish specialists.

Ukraine is also interested in leveraging Türkiye’s experience in developing distributed generation and supporting solar and wind energy projects for small and medium-sized businesses, as well as households.

The discussion also covered challenges related to russia’s military aggression, which has caused widespread destruction of energy infrastructure. Emphasis was placed on the importance of protecting facilities and creating equipment reserves for prompt repairs, identified as a priority area for cooperation with international partners.

Svitlana Grynchuk expressed gratitude to Türkiye for its support in strengthening Ukraine’s energy sector and thanked Ambassador Mustafa Levent Bilgen for the constructive dialogue. Both sides confirmed their readiness to further develop energy cooperation based on partnership and mutual understanding.