Ukraine begins exporting electricity to EU

War-hit Ukraine has started exporting electricity to the European Union (EU)_ President Volodymyr Zelensky said. Russia has reduced gas supplies to the EU which is supporting Ukraine in resisting Russian invasion.

Several European nations are highly dependent on Russian gas for their energy needs but have been forced to find out alternatives as Moscow slashes deliveries.

The Ukrainian President said_ Ukraine had "launched a significant export of electricity to the territory of the EU_ via Romania. He hoped to to increase supply and a significant part of the Russian gas consumed by Europeans can be replaced.

He said_ it is not just a question of export revenue_ it is a question of security for the whole of Europe.

Ukrainian exports will provide an additional source of electricity for the EU_ European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen tweeted.

The EU bloc has strongly backed Kiev following Russia's invasion on February 24_ with imposing a barrage of sanctions against Moscow and granting Ukraine "candidate status"_ a first step towards membership of the EU.