In a Facebook post on Jan. 15, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha referred to the meeting as “energy Ramstein,” drawing parallels with the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (used to coordinate military aid to and commonly known as the Ramstein Format).
“As directed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working with all our partners to secure additional contributions to strengthen our energy sector,” Sybiha said.
“This week, we already have a $200 million package from Norway for [natural] gas purchases and equipment procurement. We thank the Norwegians. We expect new bilateral energy support packages from other partners shortly. We’ll have more news on this tomorrow.”
He added that further bilateral air defense support packages are also pending.
“The best help for Ukraine’s energy system is every Russian missile and drone that never reaches its target,” Sybiha said.
At the request of PM Yulia Svyrydenko and in coordination with the Energy Ministry, Sibiga said, “we are convening an energy Rammstein meeting, where we count on securing additional contributions and concrete commitments from our allies.”
Sibiga also said Ukraine’s diplomatic missions are in constant contact with the European Energy Community (ECSEE) to replenish the Energy Support Fund and procure essential equipment.
“Italy has begun delivering high-capacity industrial boilers (550 to 3,000kW) worth EUR1.85 million, which will help our hardest-hit communities,” he added.
“We will also utilize all international mechanisms: the EU civil protection mechanism, the Energy Charter, and other organizations.”