Ukraine needs to draw over 5 bln euros to prepare for next winter - official

MOSCOW. March 4 (Interfax) - Ukraine needs to draw over 5 billion euros to prepare for the next heating season, Ukrainian media reported, citing Deputy Prime Minister, Energy Minister Denis Shmygal.

"Overall, there is a task of discussing at the next energy Ramstein meeting the attraction of more than 5 billion euros Ukraine needs to prepare for the next heating season," Shmygal said at a press briefing in Kiev on Tuesday, as reported by the media.

At least 13 billion cubic meters of gas must be stored by the beginning of the heating season, which is approximately the same amount as this season, Shmygal said.

Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko said earlier that the energy Ramstein meeting was due to take place within the next two weeks.

The National Security and Defense Council was informed about energy resilience plans of regions on Tuesday. It will cost UAH 215 billion to implement them.