Ukraine begins electricity exports to the EU

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Through Romania, Ukraine has started exporting electricity to the European Union, according to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky. This comes alongside a time Russia is reducing its energy resources to Europe as EU states - even those most reliant, such as Germany and Italy - refuse to pay in their currency, the Russian ruble.

Read more: EU at risk of recession if Russia gas supplies cut immediately

On Thursday, Zelensky said Ukraine "launched a significant export of electricity to the territory of the EU, via Romania. "This is only the first stage. We are preparing to increase supply."

Furthermore, he said that a large part of Russian gas consumed by Europeans has been replaced, as the Ukrainian electricity grid has been connected to the European network in mid-March, keeping a flow of resources even during the war.

Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission chief, said that Ukrainian exports "will provide an additional source of electricity for the EU. And much-needed revenues to Ukraine."

Europe has recently been decreasing electricity and fuel consumption in fears of a very cold winter as a result of their own doing - cutting Russian energy supplies from the continent whilst also sanctioning Russian energy exports. 

In early April, a poll conducted by Spanish newspaper El Pais and broadcaster Cadena Ser showed that a total of 62.5% of Spanish residents have decreased their electricity consumption, and 58% started using less motor fuel as a result of the price hike.

Sanctions that were implemented by the EU, US, Canada, Australia, and other Western allies on Russia come with the aim to suppress the Russian economy.