While in the short term, Venture Global's recent agreement to supply LNG to Ukraine, in partnership with DTEK, marks a crucial step in securing the nation's immediate energy needs, this must not be the beginning of more expensive and failed long-term build-out of fossil fuel infrastructure, which is highly centralised and is proven to be a common target of continued Russian attacks. While we recognize the importance of this agreement in bolstering Ukraine's immediate energy security, it is imperative to emphasize that this measure must be seen as a temporary solution for Ukraine's stability and resilience.

However, it is equally important to maintain a strategic focus on the future. Ukraine's long-term economic and energy security, and environmental sustainability depend on substantial investments in decentralised renewable energy sources (RES), especially decentralised wind and solar.

Svitlana Romanko, Founder and Director of Razom We Stand, stated: "As we navigate these turbulent times, we call on all stakeholders to prioritize the development of RES infrastructure. Renewable energy not only promises a sustainable and environmentally friendly future but also aligns with global efforts to combat climate change. By focusing on wind, solar, and other renewable technologies, we can reduce our dependency on fossil fuels and move towards a cleaner, more resilient energy system"

Razom We Stand urges the government, energy companies, and international partners to:

• Ensure the LNG agreement remains a short-term solution: Clearly define the timeline and conditions under which the LNG supply will be phased out in favor of renewable alternatives.
• Direct the majority of investments to Renewable Energy: Prioritize funding and development for decentralized renewable energy projects to accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy landscape.

Ukraine stands at a critical juncture. The decisions we make today will shape our energy future for decades to come. By committing to renewable energy and treating LNG as a temporary bridge, we can ensure a sustainable, secure, and prosperous future for all Ukrainians.

ENDS

Razom We Stand is a Ukrainian organisation active internationally, calling for a total and permanent embargo on Russian fossil fuels and an immediate end to all investment into Russian oil and gas companies by phasing out fossil fuels globally.

Svitlana Romanko has appeared in top international press, including Der Spiegel, Tagesspiegel, DW, Le Monde, Financial Times, The Guardian, The Hill, Bloomberg, Washington Post, CNN, NBC and Politico. Photos are available here.