Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman at a meeting with Amos Hochstein, Special Envoy and Coordinator for International Energy Affairs, U.S. Department of State, has discussed deepening cooperation of the two countries in the sphere of Ukraine's energy independence.

The press service of Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers reported that the parties discussed the steps taken by the government to reform the energy sector and the intensification of cooperation in this area.

The prime minister noted that the government is taking the necessary decisions to achieve energy efficiency and energy independence. The government is resolute to destroy any corruption schemes in this sphere.

The press service reported Groysman said that energy independence should be among core priorities of the country, especially when the country was facing Russian military aggression.

"I have always said that Russia didn’t just send its weapons and tanks. We also face economic, informational and energetic aggression. Therefore, our task is absolutely clear - to efficiently consume and increase the domestic energy production of both conventional and alternative resources", he said.

Greater collaboration between Ukraine and the United States is of a strategic importance, he said. "I fully support the highest intensification of our interaction in all possible directions to achieve the goal – fast and effective energy independence of our state," Groysman said.

The prime minister also said that the government has decided to privatize public joint-stock company Odesa Port-Side Plant.

"We’ve found correct solutions that will allow us to ensure holding the completely transparent, open and competitive privatization. We are committed to follow this way and will represent to Ukrainian society an alternative to the populists. The alternative implies professional, fair and correct decisions," he noted.

Groysman pointed out the need for institutional strengthening of national joint-stock company Naftogaz Ukrainy and its restructuring.

He also touched the idea of creating an Energy Efficiency Fund. "This can be rather good public tool to improve energy efficiency of Ukraine," he said.

Hochstein welcomed the adoption of the government resolution on the establishment of a market- based gas price, as well as intentions to conduct the open privatization of state-owned enterprises. "Ukraine has made significant progress in energy issues. I was watching with admiration at the achievements the government has made over the past few weeks," he said.

He also said that it is crucial to have energy independence for the country, to curb corruption in this area and to ensure effective governance in the energy sector. In response, the United States will support Ukraine on the way of transformations in the energy sector.