As the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank annual meeting kicks off today in Washington DC, with support for Ukraine likely to be a major talking point, Ukrainian peace and renewable energy group Razom We Stand urges global financial institutions and international partners to prioritize decentralized renewable energy systems as a cornerstone of Ukraine’s recovery. The investment and integration of renewable energy sources are economically advantageous and create jobs but are also essential to global energy security and Ukraine’s long-term stability.
We call on the global financial institutions, governments and other partners to ensure that at least 30% of all energy support funding is allocated to renewable energy transition projects. Decentralized systems, such as solar and wind, are considerably more difficult to disable than incapacitating a conventional power plant, making them vital for Ukraine’s resilience in the face of Russian invasion.
Companies in countries like the US stand to benefit from invaluable experience in large-scale, post-conflict development projects. This partnership strengthens America’s global economic influence and could create up to 4.2 million jobs in Ukraine. It is vital to shaping a more secure and sustainable future for both countries.
Svitlana Romanko, Founder and Executive Director of Razom We Stand, stated: “Renewable energy is not just a tool for Ukraine’s recovery; it is a strategic weapon to dismantle Russia’s fossil fuel dominance. Ukraine’s recovery cannot simply be about rebuilding what was destroyed—it must be about building a future that is more resilient, more secure, and entirely free from the influence of Russia’s fossil fuel monopoly. By prioritizing renewable energy now, we create a decentralized, future-proof energy system that strengthens Ukraine’s sovereignty, weakens Russia’s grip on the global energy market, and accelerates the global shift to clean, renewable energy. Every dollar invested in Ukraine’s renewable energy transition is a dollar invested in global security, climate action, and long-term economic growth for us all.”
The US is already experiencing the negative economic impacts of climate change, with the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) reporting that weather and climate disasters since 1980 exceeded $2,7 trillion. Supporting a Ukrainian renewable energy revolution also helps mitigate the worst effects of climate disruption, saving trillions of dollars and countless lives in the long run through avoided climate-related damages.
As the US clean energy sector continues to grow, with job growth in the industry rising to 4.1% and now employing over 3.3 million workers, collaboration with Ukraine could leverage this skilled workforce and create joint renewable energy projects. As Former Senior Advisor to the President of the United States, Brian Deese, recently stated, a new Clean Energy Marshall Plan would benefit not only the US renewable energy industry but also US developing country partners like Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts by supporting the adoption of innovative technologies like solar, wind and battery storage.
Investing in Ukraine’s renewable energy revolution also strengthens America’s global leadership in the clean energy transition, creates new economic opportunities, and helps mitigate the worst impacts of climate change. Together, we can build a resilient renewable energy system that weakens Russia’s influence and strengthens global energy security.
ENDS
Razom We Stand is a Ukrainian high-impact climate advocacy group. It calls for a total and permanent embargo on Russian fossil fuels and an immediate end to all investment in Russian oil and gas companies by phasing out fossil fuels globally.
Svitlana Romanko was previously quoted on the White House’s official website in response to the Biden administration’s decision to limit global LNG industry expansion and has appeared in top-tier international press, including Washington Post, CNN, NBC, AP, Politico, Bloomberg, The Hill, Financial Times, The Guardian, Der Spiegel, and Le Monde; a detailed list is here.
