Zelenski asks the EU to increase the export of electricity in the face of blackouts caused by the attacks

MADRID, 13 Dic. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The President of Ukraine, Volodimir Zelenski, has asked the European Union on Tuesday to increase electricity exports in the face of the numerous cuts in the electrical system suffered as a result of the bombings registered in the framework of the Russian invasion of the territory.

In a speech on the occasion of the international conference of solidarity with the Ukrainian people, organized by France and Ukraine, Zelensky has indicated that the task "consists of preserving the main energy system of Ukraine and guaranteeing operations despite Russia's attempts to turn Ukraine into the darkest place in Europe".

"That is why this format is necessary. We have to agree on concrete measures that will help not only Ukrainians to survive the winter but will allow us to demonstrate to any anti-European and anti-democratic force that Europe has learned to prevent catastrophes and protect its people," has asserted, as reported by the Ukrainian Presidency.

Thus, he has emphasized that the country needs equipment such as transformers and electrical generators, as well as high-voltage networks and turbines, among others. "Secondly, at least until the end of winter we will need emergency help from the European energy system," he said before stressing that this includes the "supply of electricity from EU countries."

"For this to be possible, the European electricity grid must make the decision to increase its capacity as much as necessary. This support in terms of electricity supply could cost 800 million euros, as prices stand. It is significant, but less than what a blackout in Ukraine could cost us all," he pointed out.

For this reason, he has expressed, he has urged the EU to "make an effort" to achieve "specific results" and has urged Brussels to send special missions to vitally important energy facilities involved in the electricity supply in Ukraine, on which it depends stability "throughout the region".

"These missions can become a stabilizing factor in the situation and an appropriate international control tool," he stated before warning that "due to the destruction of power plants at the hands of terrorists, Ukraine has been forced to use more gas than expected.

In this sense, the Ukrainian president has assured that "they need 2,000 million cubic meters of gas to contribute to" stability". In addition, he has asserted that he expects an "agreement on the financing of a project to acquire and deliver LED lamps to Ukraine ". "It might seem insignificant, but 50 million lamps of this type would save one gigawatt of electricity," he added.

Zelensky also highlighted the need to "create a special permanent mechanism to coordinate these measures, which will make it possible to respond effectively to the challenge posed by Russian energy terrorism." "Unfortunately, we still don't have a modern air defense system that can intercept 100 percent of Russian missiles and drones," he lamented.