Galushchenko calls for international assistance after Russia’s drone attack on Odesa region

Russia’s recent drone attack on energy infrastructure in the Odesa region has not only left millions of Ukrainians without electricity but also destroyed important power equipment.

The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko at a meeting of the G7+ Energy Coordination Group, an Ukrinform correspondent reports, referring to the Ukrainian Energy Ministry.

The Energy Coordination Group includes the representatives of the Group of Seven (G7), European Union, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, as well as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the World Bank and the Energy Community Secretariat. The meeting was chaired by Geoffrey R. Pyatt, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources and the Coordinator of the G7 efforts in providing support for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

“The situation in the energy system is remaining challenging. Russian missiles hit all thermal power plants. Forty-four overhead high-voltage lines were de-energized. Repair works are underway to stabilize the supply of power. We are working to increase the capacity of nuclear power generation in order to cut the deficit in the energy system,” Galushchenko told.

In his words, Ukraine’s need for repair materials and equipment is growing.

“Our goal is not only to promptly use equipment in order to conduct current repair works but also build equipment stocks, which would help us to repair energy facilities after next attacks more quickly,” Galushchenko noted.

The participants in the meeting expressed readiness to provide further assistance to Ukraine’s energy sector. In particular, the United States is planning to deliver a large batch of equipment for Ukrainian energy companies in the near future.

mk