Minister of Energy of Ukraine German Galushchenko held a meeting with the French delegation led by the Special Envoy of the President of France for Aid and Reconstruction of Ukraine, Pierre Heilbronn.
The parties discussed the key challenges caused by the military aggression of the russian federation and joint priority projects for the restoration of the energy sector.
"The enemy continues to shell our energy infrastructure and, according to intelligence data, plans to intensify its attacks. As a result of targeted russian strikes in February this year, more than 50% of gas production was lost. Therefore, the issue of increasing reserves in preparation for the heating season is particularly urgent. Our current priorities are protection, restoration of capacities after enemy attacks, and the development of nuclear generation as the backbone of our country’s energy system," the Minister of Energy said.
The meeting also addressed mechanisms for further financing of bilateral projects in strategic areas of the energy sector and expanding Ukraine’s access to European Union financial instruments.
The parties discussed the implementation of existing joint projects, particularly in nuclear energy, the modernization of equipment, and the construction of new facilities. Interim results and next steps for cooperation are planned to be presented at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome.
The Minister of Energy separately highlighted the issue of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which remains under russian occupation, where the situation continues to be critical. Ongoing shelling and lack of qualified maintenance pose a serious threat to nuclear and radiation safety for the whole of Europe. Therefore, joint efforts are needed to return the plant to Ukraine’s control.
The Minister expressed gratitude to the French side for its substantial contribution to the restoration of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. In particular, for strengthening priority sectors of the Ukrainian economy through a €200 million grant, €60 million of which will be directed to support Ukraine’s energy sector. France has also provided nearly 40 truckloads of humanitarian aid and contributed almost €6 million to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund for equipment procurement.
