To retain international confidence and investors' interest, and to develop its economy, Ukraine has to accelerate reforms it has started, and limit the influence of populists on these processes. No one should experiment with the energy sector, as it is a driver of the economy and the guardian of the national security.

Of major concern is the delay in unbundling — the establishment of an independent operator of the gas transportation system. Currently the Ukrainian government remains a "bystander" in reforming the gas sector, which slows its restructuring and strengthens position of Naftogaz as a monopolist.

In the energy sector, the reform priorities for Ukraine over the next three years include creating competitive electricity, gas and coal markets; providing favourable environment for investments; shifting towards the auction system to determine tariffs for renewables; and setting up the effective system of subsidies for vulnerable citizens.

These and other statements were articulated by Volodymyr Omelchenko, the Director of the Razumkov Centre’s Energy Programmes at the Conference "The State of Ukraine’s Energy Sector", jointly organised by the Razumkov Centre and the Atlantic Council in Washington, D.C. on 28 November 2018. The event was devoted to Ukraine's role in the global energy processes.