Zelensky, Shmyhal welcome Ukraine's connection to EU power grid

KYIV. March 16 (Interfax-Ukraine) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked the European Union members for completing the synchronization of the Ukrainian and EU power grids.

"Ukraine has become a member of the EU Energy Union. The unification of the Ukrainian and EU energy systems has been completed. Now Ukrainian electricity flows in the EU and vice versa. Grateful to EU members, personally to [European Commission President] Ursula von der Leyen, [European Commissioner for Energy] Kadri Simson, and everyone thanks to whom we now have a single energy system!" Zelensky wrote on Twitter.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyuhal also welcomed the unification of the Ukrainian and EU power grids and said the Ukrainian power system would become more stable and resilient to challenges after its synchronization with the EU grids.

"This is exactly the energy visa-free arrangement with the European Union, on which we've worked for years," Shmyhal said.

"Our energy system will become even more stable and resilient to challenges now. We are becoming energy-independent. This is a historic day for our country's energy system," Shmyhal said.

"Ukraine is becoming part of Europe in all fields," Shmyhal said. "I believe we will become full members of the European Union soon," he said.