With the support of allied nations, Ukraine aspires to mend energy infrastructures ravaged by Russia in time for the winter season, stated President Volodymyr Zelensky during his address at the Ukraine Recovery Conference held in Berlin on June 11.
At this gathering, Zelensky highlighted the importance of air defense systems to secure the nation against Russian assaults and to rehabilitate the energy grid.
The Ukrainian president identified air superiority as Russia’s most significant strategic benefit in the continuing all-out war, and he reiterated the plea for at least seven Patriot defense systems to be supplied to Ukraine.
At the said conference, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz pledged to dispatch Germany’s third Patriot air defense system along with IRIS-T and Gepard anti-aircraft systems, alongside missiles and ammunition, to Ukraine within the forthcoming weeks and months.
According to reports, Russian missile and drone strikes have decimated 9 gigawatts (GW) of Ukraine’s energy capacity.
Zelensky pointed out that during the last winter, the energy demand peaked at 18 GW, and “now half of that is no longer available.”
“Putin has wrecked eighty percent of Ukraine’s thermal power generation, and one-third of hydroelectric power generation. The terror he inflicts has yet to reach its bounds,” Zelensky asserted.
Russia is attempting “to perfect its capacity” to obliterate energy infrastructure, including gas storage systems that link the energy systems of Ukraine and Europe, added the president. He implored allies to aid in preserving Ukraine’s energy generation and in mending the destructed infrastructures.
“We must also effectuate a swift and less costly refurbishment of all the energy structures that are repairable before the onset of winter… We comprehend how to accomplish this,” mentioned Zelensky.
“We’re requesting your decommissioned power plants’ equipment and unwavering financial support. This will empower us to address the current situation immediately. To maintain a semblance of ordinary life.”
Zelensky noted Kyiv’s intention to sign myriad contracts, worth billions of euros, with partners in the areas of defense and energy.
At that conference, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also shared that Kyiv would be receiving 1.5 billion euros ($1.6 billion) in July from frozen Russian assets and an additional 1.9 billion euros ($2 billion) via the Ukraine Facility this very month.
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FAQ Section
What did President Zelensky say about the restoration of energy facilities?
President Zelensky stated that with the help of allies, Ukraine aims to repair energy facilities damaged by Russia before the winter season arrives.
What did Zelensky request from allies for Ukraine’s air defense?
Zelensky called for the provision of at least seven Patriot defense systems to help Ukraine gain air defense against ongoing Russian attacks.
What is Russia’s ‘greatest strategic advantage’ according to Zelensky?
According to President Zelensky, air superiority is considered Russia’s greatest strategic advantage in the current conflict.
What did German Chancellor Olaf Scholz pledge to Ukraine?
German Chancellor Scholz has pledged to send a third Patriot air defense system, IRIS-T and Gepard anti-aircraft systems, missiles, and ammunition to Ukraine in the upcoming weeks and months.
How much of Ukraine’s energy capacity has been destroyed?
Reportedly, Russia’s missile and drone strikes have eradicated 9 gigawatts of Ukraine’s energy capacity.
What is the status of the Ukrainian energy demand after the attacks?
The peak energy demand in Ukraine during the past winter was 18 gigawatts, and currently, half of that capacity is no longer there according to President Zelensky.
What financial support has the European Commission promised Ukraine?
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that Ukraine will receive 1.5 billion euros from frozen Russian assets in July and 1.9 billion euros under the Ukraine Facility in the current month.