To help not only with energy equipment, but with protection means, too – such is the position of Ukraine’s Japanese partners, who have been systematically supporting Ukrainian energy and gas sectors in close cooperation with the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine.

During a recent visit to one of GTSOU’s facilities, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine Kuninori Matsuda and Deputy Chief Representative of the Ukrainian Office of the Japan International Community Agency (JICA) Satoshi Sugimoto have announced the handover of 1,800 gabions that will be used for the physical protection of GTS critical infrastructure in different regions of Ukraine. 320 gabions have already been delivered.

“First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire personnel working at national critical infrastructure facilities, especially the GTSOU employees, for your heroic efforts. Every day you protect important facilities and continue working despite Russia’s attacks. I am glad to see that the first batches of gabions, known as “Soil armour” in Japan, have already been delivered to you. These gabions are proven to be highly protective from explosives and are used by Japanese Self-Defence Forces. Japan’s position regarding the support of your country will not waver, and we shall continue supporting Ukraine and its people until their victory and beyond,” Japan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Ukraine Matsuda Kuninori emphasised.

In his turn, Ukraine’s Energy Minister German Galushchenko thanked the Government of Japan and the entire Japanese people for their systematic support in the restoration of Ukraine’s energy sector. “Auto transformers, gas turbines, protective constructions – we have been receiving all of these things thanks to Japan’s unwavering position in its desire to support Ukraine and Ukrainian people. Apart from that, Japan is our important partner when it comes to the implementation of President Zelensky’s Peace Formula, which contains important points on energy security, as well as radiation and nuclear security. We are sincerely grateful for Japan’s unwavering position and support,” the minister emphasized.

“Ensuring the first level of critical infrastructure protection requires coordinated efforts of the government, international partners and operators of critical infrastructure. Thanks to the support of the Japanese Government, we received additional passive protection capabilities,” Oleksandra Azarkhina, Ukraine’s Deputy Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development, said.

GTSOU’s General Director Dmytro Lyppa added that the received gabions would be distributed between all of the Company’s linear production divisions. They will be particularly useful in the frontline regions.

“On behalf of the entire team of GTSOU and myself personally, I sincerely thank His Excellency Ambassador Matsuda, the Government of Japan and the entire Japanese people. We highly appreciate the support you provide us to fight the aggressor. Protection of critical infrastructure facilities, especially in energy sector, is a very important area of work, and this large batch of gabions from Japan will further strengthen our protection capacities,” Dmytro Lyppa, General Director of GTSOU, said.

GTSOU is scheduled to receive the rest of the gabions in the near future. Protective constructions will be installed immediately upon arrival at the facilities to strengthen their protection from possible enemy attacks.