Russian gas world’s “most polluted” – Zelensky to Granholm
During his visit to Washington, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm to discuss threats posed by Russia’s Nord Stream 2 project.
That’s according to the President’s Office, Ukrinform reports.
During the meeting, topical issues of energy security of Ukraine and the region were discussed. The parties exchanged views on the threats of Nord Stream 2 for the security of Ukraine and energy security in Europe. The common approaches were stated that Ukraine and the United States share as to the risks posed by the project.
"Russian gas is the most polluted in the world due to significant methane emissions during production and transportation, as well as corruption, blackmail, and manipulation," said the president.
Zelensky stressed the importance of creating effective safeguards against Russia using gas as a weapon.
In this context, the Ukrainian leader noted the importance of launching as soon as possible regular trilateral consultations in the Ukraine-Germany-U.S. format on the preservation of Ukrainian transit and ensuring European energy security.
The parties discussed in detail ways to intensify cooperation between Ukraine and the United States in the fields of energy, combating climate change, and "green" transformation.
"We have consciously chosen the path of reforms and decarbonization of the energy sector," the president said.
The parties emphasized that the involvement of the United States in the implementation of this ambitious plan opens up opportunities for building a new quality of partnership between the two countries.
Particular focus during talks was on cooperation in nuclear energy, including construction of additional reactors at Ukrainian nuclear power plants, and the use of small modular reactors.
The president expressed confidence that the launch of the Strategic Dialogue on Energy and Climate between Ukraine and the United States will contribute to further intensification of bilateral cooperation and practical implementation of joint initiatives and projects.
Zelensky also thanked Granholm for her participation in the Crimea Platform inaugural Summit and U.S. support to Ukraine in restoring sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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