Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and Prime Minister of Great Britain Liz Truss, during a meeting on September 20 in New York, the United States, discussed the development of bilateral cooperation, preparation for the heating season, and recovery of Ukraine.
Denys Shmyhal thanked Great Britain for comprehensive political support and practical assistance: “First of all, we are grateful for the weapons. This is our absolute priority today.”
The parties touched upon the issue of intensifying the supply of weapons for the defense of Ukraine and strengthening sanctions against russian oil and gas sector. In the context of diversification of energy supply sources and preparation for the heating season, the Prime Ministers of Ukraine and Great Britain discussed the necessity to increase domestic gas production, in particular in Ukraine.
“We appreciate Great Britain’s willingness to provide our country with the next tranche of $500 million through the World Bank for the purchase of gas. We are also interested in involving British businesses in the development of gas production in Ukraine. We expect that the Government of Great Britain will make the necessary decisions to insure British business in Ukraine against military risks,” said Denys Shmyhal.
The parties also raised the issue of holding the next Ukraine Recovery Conference in the United Kingdom. In particular, Denys Shmyhal and Liz Truss agreed to form a working group to prepare for the event in 2023. The basis will be the developments and agreements during the Recovery Conference in Lugano as well as the Conference in Berlin, which is scheduled for October this year.
“I am convinced that Great Britain will be our main partner not only in the armed repulse of russia, but also in the course of reconstruction. We appreciate the commitment of your country to play a leading role in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine,” stressed Denys Shmyhal.
Prime Minister Liz Truss, for her part, noted that the political course of Great Britain in terms of supporting Ukraine and increasing the amount of aid remains unchanged.