Groysman invites U.S. energy secretary to unite efforts to counter Nord Stream 2

This issue was discussed at a meeting between Groysman and Perry, according to the website of the Ukrainian government.

"I want to thank American colleagues for their support in the energy sector. We have a lot of joint developments that need to be strengthened for the energy security of Ukraine and the entire region," Groysman said.

He emphasized that the government had begun the deregulation of the energy sector in the country and made open the access to Ukrainian mineral resources and the extraction of Ukrainian gas.

According to the prime minister, the government's top strategic goal is full integration into the EU energy market, as well as keeping Ukraine's role as a key gas transit country.

Groysman proposed combining efforts in countering the Russian gas project Nord Stream 2.

"The construction of Nord Stream 2 is a kind of Russia's energy weapon. They want to use this gas pipeline to influence European partners. Ukraine is categorically opposed to construction. We thank the United States for its support in this important issue," Groysman said.

Perry, in turn, said that the U.S. supports Ukraine and will remain its strong economic partner.

Ukraine has huge natural resources underground, and this is an important resource of the Ukrainian people, he said. It is necessary to counteract those who can use energy as a weapon, so the U.S. opposes the construction of the Russian gas pipeline Nord Stream 2, Perry said.

According to the report, this is Perry's second visit to Ukraine. The first one was made in November 2018.

op