Ukraine bans firewood exports

MOSCOW. Nov 28 (Interfax) - The Ukrainian government has decided to ban exports of firewood, Ukrainian media reported, citing a statement Prime Minister Denis Shmygal made on Telegram.

This will help accumulate stockpiles in Ukraine, as firewood has become the main resource for heating in many communities, Shmygal said, remarking that the situation in Ukraine's energy system is increasing the strategic importance of this resource.

He also said the government is continuing efforts to increase imports of transformers and high-voltage equipment to restore the country's power grid.

Grid operator Ukrenergo said earlier that Ukraine's energy system is gradually recovering from damage to its infrastructure. The shortage of capacity in the energy system decreased to 30% by Friday morning from 50% on Thursday evening, the company said.