Foreign Affairs

US Coal Will Help Secure Ukraine’s Energy Independence From Russia

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Ukraine’s dependence on Russian energy fell after its state-owned power generation company contracted to start receiving U.S. coal in late August or early September, the Department of Energy announced Monday.

Pennsylvania-based Xcoal Energy and Resources will supply Ukraine with thermal coal ahead of winter, diversifying Ukraine’s energy supply away from other, more volatile countries.

“In recent years, Kiev and much of Eastern Europe have been reliant on and beholden to Russia to keep the heat on,” Energy Secretary Rick Perry said in the press release Monday. “That changes now.”

“The United States can offer Ukraine an alternative, and today we are pleased to announce that we will. U.S. coal will be a secure and reliable energy source for Centrenergo and its electricity customers,” Perry continued. “Partnerships like this are crucial to the path forward to achieve energy dominance.”

The announcement comes after Congress passed a bill last week to place sanctions on Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The White House has said President Donald Trump intends to sign the bill, further straining U.S. relations with the Kremlin. (RELATED: Trump Intends To Sign Russia Sanctions Bill)

“In the past, Russia has tried to choke off opposition to its ambitions by restricting the flow of natural gas to its western neighbors,” Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in the press release. “Under President Trump’s leadership, I look forward to working with Secretary Perry and others in industry and government to further expand American exports in support of our goals of keeping this country safe and promoting robust economic growth.”

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