Ukraine proposes discussing collective guarantees for energy sites, calls for sanctions

MOSCOW. Nov 3 (Interfax) - Ukraine has called for setting up an international team to elaborate new energy security principles at a meeting of the Organizational for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) committee dealing with economic and environmental affairs, the Ukrainian Energy Ministry said on Wednesday.

According to Deputy Energy Minister Yaroslav Demchenkov, the world should change the attitude to the energy industry, which is more than an economic sector at the current level of development.

"The future of mankind depends on the energy industry. Meanwhile, the future of the energy industry depends on our ability to ensure its security. We should enhance the arsenal we are using to protect the energy industry. We are inviting the world to set up an international team for elaborating new energy security principles," the Ukrainian media quoted the deputy minister's statement released by his press service.

The existent rules of energy and nuclear security are growing obsolete, which is why the global energy agenda needs to change, Demchenkov said.

Sanctions should serve as an element of the protection of energy sites, they will be imposed automatically in case of an attack on the energy network, he said.