G7 foreign ministers to discuss support for Ukraine after Russian attacks on energy infrastructure

The relevant statement was made by Reuters, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is expected to dominate the two-day meeting of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken with his G7 counterparts in the western German city of Muenster.

“This G7 ministerial is, for us, coming at an important time,” a senior State Department official said, noting that the group “has been a vital coordinating mechanism” for policy approaches on the most pressing issues.

EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson said on Tuesday during a visit to Kyiv that the European Union, together with partners, was exploring ways to increase help for Ukraine’s energy sector.

Simson stressed that Ukraine needs specific equipment and tools to repair damage to its energy infrastructure. Foreign companies should be urged to prioritize the transfer of energy equipment to Ukraine, the EU Energy Commissioner added.

The G7 meeting, hosted by Germany, which holds the group’s rotating presidency, will also provide an opportunity for the world’s richest democracies to discuss recent developments in China and security in the Indo Pacific after Chinese President Xi Jinping consolidated his grip on power at a Communist Party Congress, Reuters noted.

A reminder that, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russian attacks have caused serious damage to about 40% of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, namely thermal power plants, combined heat and power plants, and hydro power plants.

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