Ukrainian PM Koretsky discusses reforms, energy, and ballistic defense in first call with von der Leyen

Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhiy Koretsky and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had their first conversation, addressing key issues such as further progress in EU accession negotiations, the upcoming heating season, and countering Russian ballistic missile strikes, according to the government press service.

Koretsky assured that Ukraine, after the government reshuffle, will continue implementing necessary reforms and fulfilling all commitments in the EU integration process. He also expressed hope for maintaining EU unity in supporting Ukraine and advancing the negotiation process.

The discussions covered preparations for the next heating season, including attracting additional financial resources for gas reserves and restoring energy infrastructure that Russia continues to deliberately destroy. Koretsky noted that under the Ukraine Support Loan, Ukraine has already received €8.1 billion and expects timely disbursement of further tranches of macro-financial assistance and the Ukraine Facility this year, which are critical for Ukraine's financial stability.

They also talked about increasing sanctions pressure on Russia and addressing the deficit of interceptor missiles capable of shooting down Russian ballistic missiles. Koretsky appealed to the European Commission to help supply Ukraine with such means as soon as possible to protect lives. Both sides agreed on the need for more active cooperation within a joint anti-ballistic project.

Von der Leyen assured continued cooperation on reforms that facilitate Ukraine's EU accession and stated that Koretsky can count on full support, including improving energy sector management.

It was also reported that on July 16, the Verkhovna Rada dismissed Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, voting to dismiss the entire government of Yulia Svyrydenko. Since July 17, Sybiha has been acting as foreign minister. In the new government, the Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration changed: Vsevolod Chentsov, former permanent representative of Ukraine to the EU, replaced Taras Kachka.