UPDATE - Kyiv says Austria plans to transfer energy equipment to Ukraine

​​​​​​​ADDS DETAILS, CHANGES DECK, HEADLINE

By Burc Eruygur and Kanyshai Butun

ISTANBUL (AA) - Austria plans to transfer energy equipment to Ukraine from two of its decommissioned power plants in Vienna and Upper Austria, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry reported Friday.

Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger arrived in Kyiv, according to a statement.

Sybiha expressed gratitude to Austria and his counterpart’s personal leadership, saying he looks forward to fruitful talks to advance the bilateral partnership.

Austrian public broadcaster ORF reported that Meinl-Reisinger is accompanied by Wolfgang Anzengruber, government coordinator for Ukraine's reconstruction, and lawmakers.

Sybiha informed his Austrian counterpart about the situation on the battlefield and the damage to Ukraine’s energy system caused by Russian strikes, said the statement.

He stated that Austria provided €3.5 million ($4.1 million) through the mechanisms of the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, the ICRC, UNICEF and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

The two also discussed the transfer to Ukraine of energy equipment from two decommissioned Austrian power plants in Vienna and Upper Austria, it said.

“Our specialists are already inspecting them, determining the list of technically compatible equipment and delivery logistics. Austria is also ready to transfer nine powerful transformers from the state of Salzburg to Ukraine, as well as gas equipment for Ukrtransgaz from the RAG company,” noted Sybiha, adding that Austria is funding projects worth €14.1 million in humanitarian demining.

Separately on US social media platform X Sybiha outlined that he discussed with his Austrian colleague steps to expand trade and business cooperation, including in the context of Ukraine’s recovery.

“We also spoke about regional and European developments, Ukraine’s EU accession, and EU sanctions pressure on Russia to counter its aggression and terror,” he wrote, adding that separate attention was paid to cooperation within international organizations, major upcoming events and contacts, and accountability efforts.

“Ukraine appreciates Austria’s comprehensive support, including energy assistance, at all levels: from the federal government to lands, communities, and all Austrians,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, Meinl-Reisinger thanked Sybiha for the welcome “during difficult time.”

“We are here together to show solidarity and support. There is a broad alliance for democracy and freedom in Austria,” she wrote on X.

Earlier. Sybiha announced Meinl-Reisinger’s arrival on US social media X, saying that “Austria is our true friend and partner, demonstrating that neutrality is not indifference.”