Shmyhal, Yellen discuss energy security, increasing sanctions against Russia

The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on Telegram, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“Expressed gratitude to the Biden Administration for sending a request to Congress for the disbursement of an additional $11.7 billion. Briefed on the steps taken by the Government to enhance cooperation with the IMF and launching a new program. In addition, we discussed energy security and passing through the heating season,” Shmyhal noted.

In particular, the parties talked about the assistance of American partners in gas purchases.

“We are holding negotiations about allocating a tranche of $1.5 billion from the U.S. EXIM Bank for the purchase of gas,” Shmyhal added.

The Prime Minister of Ukraine thanked the United States for its active role in increasing sanctions pressure on Russia and further reducing trade and economic cooperation with the aggressor country.

“I am convinced that it is necessary to introduce blocking sanctions against Russia’s Central Bank and all the Russian state-owned companies, as well as to introduce a ban on the export of raw materials from the Russian Federation,” Shmyhal stressed.

In addition, Shmyhal told Yellen about the measures taken to provide support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and Ukraine’s Recovery Plan. In his words, the U.S. side expressed interest in assisting with Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts.