Ukraine and Lithuania are negotiating the possible transfer of reserve locomotives for the needs of Ukrzaliznytsia. During a meeting between representatives of the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine and the Ministry of Transport and Communications of Lithuania, options for cooperation in this area were discussed in detail.
This is reported by Finway
Assessment of locomotive transfer possibilities
According to Oleksii Balesta, Deputy Minister of Community and Territorial Development, Lithuania has a reserve of locomotives, some of which could potentially be transferred to Ukraine. At the moment, the Lithuanian side is assessing the relevant request from Ukraine regarding the necessary quantity and technical condition of the locomotives.
“Lithuania has a reserve of locomotives, some of which could potentially be used in Ukraine. Currently, the Lithuanian side is evaluating this request. We also suggested to our colleagues to utilize the mechanisms of the UTSF (Ukraine Transport Solidarity Fund), if resources are available and there is a need for such funding,” noted Oleksii Balesta, Deputy Minister of Community and Territorial Development, following the meeting with Lithuania’s Minister of Transport and Communications, Jaras Taminskas.
Transport support and further cooperation
During the negotiations, the parties also discussed the activities of the Ukraine Transport Support Fund (UTSF), created at the initiative of Lithuania. The Ukrainian side proposed to their Lithuanian partners to use the fund’s mechanisms to secure financing if the need and availability of resources are confirmed.
Additionally, the Ukrainian delegation invited their Lithuanian colleagues to participate in the Transport Resilience Forum, which is planned to be held in Ukraine. There was also talk of deepening the exchange of experience between the two countries in the field of transport and logistics.
Earlier, during the summit of the International Transport Forum, three countries had already expressed their readiness to support the Ukraine Transport Support Fund with their contributions. This is expected to strengthen cooperation in enhancing Ukraine’s transport infrastructure and contribute to its further development.