Ukraine needs most effective air defenses to preserve energy infrastructure – minister

Ukraine needs the most effective air defense system to reduce the number of Russian missiles hitting energy infrastructure facilities.

Energy Minister German Galushchenko emphasized this in an interview with the "We are Ukraine" TV channel.

"At the onset of this war, we turned to NATO as an organization that could help close the sky over Ukraine. Now we are talking about air defense systems. We need to have the most effective air defenses. We will restore (energy facilities, – ed.), but the intensity of the strikes at the moment is such that the damage is not commensurate with the restoration efforts," said the minister.

Galushchenko clarified that the protection of critical infrastructure from Russian aggression is currently one of the main topics being discussed by the government and president with international partners.

As reported, since October 10, Russia has been launching massive strikes employing missiles and kamikaze drones on the energy infrastructure of Ukraine. As a result, more than 45 energy facilities were damaged. Ukrenergo has already introduced power supply restrictions in the country's central and northern parts.

Earlier, Energy Minister German Galushchenko spoke with his U.S. counterpart Jennifer Grenholm, discussing steps to tackle Russian terrorism in the energy sector.

The top U.S. energy official assured Galushchenko that the United States would keep providing maximum assistance and support Ukraine at all levels as long as latter needs it.