Ukraine convenes Energy Ramstein to strengthen support for the energy system
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with the Ministry of Energy, announced the holding of an Energy Ramstein to mobilise maximum support from Ukraine's international partners. This was announced by Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga.
According to him, the difficult situation in the energy sector caused by Russian shelling requires enhanced and coordinated decisions with allies. In accordance with the instructions of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the diplomatic service is working with partners to attract additional contributions to strengthen the energy sector.
Sybiga said that this week Ukraine has already received a significant support package from Norway worth $200 million. The funds will be used to purchase gas and energy equipment. New bilateral aid packages from other countries are also expected, with announcements to be made in the near future.
Separately, the minister announced additional support packages for air defence capabilities. He stressed that the best help for the energy system is every Russian missile or drone that does not reach its target.
On the instructions of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with the Ministry of Energy, is convening an Energy Ramstein meeting. During the meeting, Ukraine expects to receive additional financial contributions and specific commitments from its allies. At the same time, ongoing work is continuing with the European Energy Community to replenish the Ukrainian Energy Support Fund and purchase equipment.
Among the practical assistance, Sybyga noted the contribution of Italy, which has already begun supplying industrial boilers with a capacity of 550 to 3,000 kilowatts for a total amount of €1.85 million. This equipment is to be received by the communities that have suffered the most.
Ukraine is also using international mechanisms, in particular the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, the Energy Charter and other institutions. All foreign diplomatic missions have been instructed to mobilise donors as much as possible to provide targeted assistance to regions and communities, primarily with energy equipment.
Sybiga stressed that Ukraine is working in emergency mode to overcome the consequences of Russia's winter terror and expressed his gratitude to Ukrainian energy workers who are restoring the system every day after the attacks. According to him, Russia's plans to break the spirit of Ukrainians with cold and pressure will fail, and responsibility for these actions will be assessed under international law.
Source and photo: Andriy Sibiga.
Sybiha, MFA, Svyrydenko, Ministry of Energy
