Ukraine has moderate optimism as regards offsetting the threats coming from the gas war waged by Russia and the risks stemming from the launch of Nord Stream 2 pipeline, Olha Stefanishyna, Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, said during the Ukrainian Energy Security Dialogue, Ukrainian Energy reports.

“We have a very moderate optimism as regards offsetting the threats coming from the hybrid gas war waged by Russia and the risks stemming from the launch of Nord Stream 2 pipeline. I think that thanks to joint efforts of Ukraine, the United States and European leaders, we reached a consensus today that certain players cannot be allowed to manipulate the whole countries and energy markets,” she said.

The Vice Prime Minister pointed out that Ukrainian companies were admitted to certification of Nord Stream 2, and therefore, Ukrainian interests will be taken into account.

“Ukraine will be able to defend its interests as a major gas transit country, Mrs. Stefanishyna strongly believes.

In her opinion, it allows for a moderate optimism as regards reforms of the energy markets which Ukraine has already implemented. The Europeans also seem to follow the line that the same rules of the game must be for all.

“On the other hand, Ukraine takes a lot of efforts on the way toward decarbonization and “green” transformation. We set ourselves quite ambitious goals of reducing emissions,” Mrs. Stefanishyna said.

The Vice Prime Minister emphasized that decarbonization is one of the biggest long-term instruments of combating external threats.

“We expect that Ukraine will be prioritized as a country for investments, as stated in the European Green Deal dialogue,” she summarized.