Oleksandr Korniienko held a working meeting with European Commissioner for Energy
01 November 2022, 21:04
“Every Monday in Ukraine begins with the fact that russia attacks our energy system. As we can see, russia is not planning to stop, but on the contrary increases its attacks on civilian infrastructure on the eve of winter,” Oleksandr Kornienko stressed. The First Vice Speaker emphasized that that is why the issues of the energy system are critically important for Ukraine. He thanked the EU Commissioner for Energy for his personal strong position on supporting the energy sector of Ukraine and stabilizing the power grid.
“The emergency synchronization of the United Energy System of Ukraine with the Continental European Network, which took place on March 16, 2022, actually became a guarantee of uninterrupted energy supply to Ukraine in the conditions of a brutal war unleashed by russia on our territory,” Oleksandr Kornienko noted.
At the same time, the First Vice-Speaker noted that Ukraine appreciates the support “provided by the European Commission and the EU member states to support the energy sector of Ukraine both at the political level and in material form: technical equipment, power mediums, humanitarian aid”.
In addition, he expressed gratitude for the efforts in finding and allocating the necessary volumes of diesel fuel for Ukraine during the sowing season in 2022 and assistance in introducing tougher sanctions against russia in the energy sector.
“The situation due to the recent shelling has been stabilized to some extent thanks to the incredible efforts of our power engineers 24/7 and the reduction of domestic consumption by almost 10%,” said Oleksandr Kornienko, expressing gratitude to the employees of the energy sector of Ukraine: “Power supply has been restored in most regions and cities, but repair teams continue to eliminate the consequences of missile strikes”. He also informed Kadri Simson that the power system of Ukraine is currently experiencing a shortage of capacity, which forces to limit consumption throughout the country and introduce emergency shutdown schedules.
“We will be grateful if the issue of prompt assistance to Ukraine in the restoration of its energy sector will continue to be in the focus of attention of the EU member states and relevant international organizations,” the First Vice-Speaker addressed the EU Commissioner for Energy.
For her part, Kadri Simson noted that there are still no sanctions against russian natural gas, because it is impossible to replace the volumes of gas that russia provided to Europe: “So far there are no such alternatives, but we are working, doing our best to find an alternative”.
“Supporting your brave representatives of the nation is also our task, as well as providing Ukraine with the necessary equipment. You have made extraordinary achievements in this fight,” said Kadri Simson.
“A very difficult winter is ahead and we must be ready for different scenarios. After all, terrorist russia, feeling the pressure of sanctions, is capable of any provocation. Together we will protect our values and prevent the deepening of the energy crisis!” concluded the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniienko.
For reference. On the Ukrainian side, the working meeting was also attended by the Chairman of the Committee on Ukraine’s Integration into the European Union Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, Chairman of the Committee on Environmental Policy and Nature Management Oleh Bondarenko, Chairman of the Committee on Energy, Housing and Communal Services Andriy Gerus, as well as the First Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Economic Development Serhiy Taruta.