Zelenskyy Seeks US Investments to Strengthen Ukraine’s Energy Sector Amid Winter Concerns

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with business leaders in New York to seek investments in Ukraine’s energy sector, as the country braces for potential power outages during the winter months. The meeting included representatives from energy, finance, and insurance sectors, as well as USAID chief Samantha Power and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma. Zelenskyy proposed special incentives, emphasizing that securing energy stability is key to Ukraine’s victory strategy.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukrainian cities have been repeatedly targeted by Russian airstrikes, particularly on critical energy infrastructure. The United Nations and Ukraine have condemned the strikes as violations of international humanitarian law, and the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Russian officials responsible for attacks on civilian power facilities. Moscow, however, claims that energy infrastructure is a legitimate military target.

As Ukraine prepares for the harsh winter, forecasts suggest that power outages could last up to 18 hours a day. European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, have pledged financial assistance, with the EU offering a €35 billion loan to help Ukraine restore its energy grid and improve heating capacity ahead of the cold months.

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