Deputy Minister of Energy of Ukraine Hanna Lihun held a meeting with the representative of the Italian Republic, Davide La Cecilia, during which the parties discussed the situation in Ukraine’s energy sector amid ongoing Russian attacks, the needs for restoring damaged infrastructure, and preparations for the next heating season.
Hanna Lihun thanked the Italian side for its consistent support to Ukraine, including humanitarian assistance such as generators, transformers, cable products, and other critically important equipment that helps ensure the stable operation of the energy system and the provision of essential services to the population. She also highlighted Italy’s financial contribution to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund.
“We are sincerely grateful to Italy for its systematic support to Ukraine’s energy sector. The equipment provided is already helping us maintain system stability and respond promptly to emerging challenges,” she noted.
During the meeting, the parties reviewed the implementation of the “Ray of Hope” initiative, under which Ukrainian medical facilities receive solar panels to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply. These solutions have already been implemented in a number of hospitals, enhancing their energy resilience.
Key topics also included the needs of the energy sector: supply of critical equipment, development of distributed generation, strengthening the physical protection of facilities, and grid modernization. The Deputy Minister emphasized the potential for deepening cooperation with Italy through the involvement of companies, financial institutions, and export credit agencies in recovery and modernization projects.
The parties also discussed nuclear safety issues, particularly in the context of the upcoming 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster and the importance of consolidating international efforts to ensure the safety of nuclear facilities during wartime.
The Italian side reaffirmed its readiness to continue supporting Ukraine, particularly in the restoration of energy infrastructure, strengthening energy security, and preparation for the next heating season.
