KYIV, May 25 – Ukraine needs international assistance in monitoring coal mines in occupied areas of Donetsk region amid concerns over potential water contamination, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said Tuesday.

Shmyhal met U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry to discuss energy security, as well as cooperation in renewable energy and green transition to reduce Ukraine’s impact on climate.

Ukraine has been concerned that some of the closed coal mines in Donetsk are not properly maintained by separatist forces and may be posing an environmental hazard to a wider region.

Dozens of coal mines have already been closed in the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories without observing environmental procedures, which poses a risk of water contaminated with radiation entering the drinking water system and through the river system to the Azov Sea, he said.

"In order to inspect this site, it is necessary to send IAEA experts. The organization of such an observation mission is a contribution to the security of the region. After all, almost 1,200 sources of ionizing radiation were located in the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions," Shmyhal said in a statement released by the government.

Shmyhal said there is space in the eastern territories of Ukraine for creating a new economy based on climate neutrality.

"This territory is rich in raw materials, there are qualified personnel. A cluster of modern industries can be created there. The government is already developing an appropriate strategy, the purpose of which is to create special incentives for investors," Shmyhal said, adding that the U.S. participation in these projects could become an example for the world.

Shmyhal said that Ukraine sets ambitious goals in the field of combating climate change.

"Ukraine is responsible for declaring its climate goal. As part of the development of Ukraine's Second Nationally-Determined Contribution to the Paris Agreement, active discussions are being held between ministries, business, the public, because we strive to make a commitment that will be ambitious, but at the same time realistic and achievable," the head of the government said.

According to the prime minister, achieving climate neutrality requires simultaneous projects in infrastructure, education, landscaping, waste management and others. He said that Ukraine is ready to work with the United States on various projects related to climate change and the development of a green economy based on new technologies. (nr/ez)