Germany will provide EUR200 million of humanitarian assistance to Ukraine’s frontline communities, including fuel, insulation and winter gear, as Russian attacks continue crippling the country’s electricity grid.
DPA reports that German Foreign Minister Annalena Bärbock announced a new humanitarian aid package of 200 million euros ($217 millions) for Ukraine. The package is focused on essential winter supplies to help civilians affected by war.
Russia launched over 1,000 attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure since October 2022, damaging over half of Ukraine’s electricity-generating capacity. These attacks have caused widespread power outages, and are expected exacerbate humanitarian issues, especially as winter approaches.
Ukraine could experience daily power outages of up to 20 hours in the winter due to extensive damage done to its energy infrastructure. Ukraine, which relies heavily on nuclear energy to generate 60% of its electricity struggles to protect its plants because it has limited air defense capabilities.
Baerbock made her eighth visit to Kyiv, where she met Ukrainian counterpart Andrij Sbiha. This was her eighth trip since February 2022, when the war began. She emphasized Germany’s “rock solid” support for Ukraine at a critical stage of the conflict.
She explained that the package will be targeted at households in front-line areas who lack energy infrastructure and will provide fuel supplies and basic winter essentials.
– Solid fuel distribution in frontline areas
Thermal insulation materials
– Winter clothing, blankets and other accessories
Cash assistance programs
Humanitarian mine clearance operations
On 4 November, the Foreign Minister visited a power plant and spoke about Russia’s military strategies. He noted that nearly two thirds of Ukraine’s infrastructure for energy had been destroyed.
She cited evidence of systematic targeting across the country of power plants and transmissions lines, as well as Russia’s reported arms cooperation with North Korea.
The minister stressed that “the best defense is strengthening Ukraine’s Air Defense.” She noted that Germany has already delivered nine Iris T systems and two other systems since the start of the war.
Baerbock said that Germany would continue to support Ukraine in this area, and “unite our forces at the international levels, especially through the Air Defense Initiative.”
The minister said, “I again appeal to all partners around the world to provide support in this area.”
In September, Germany allocated EUR100m (about $111m) in aid to Ukraine. This will help the country get through the winter amid Russia’s intensified attacks against Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
Related:
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* Germany pledges additional military and energy assistance for Ukraine at UN Assembly
* Tagesschau: German CNC Machines bypass sanctions to reach Russian suppliers via Turkiye
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Germany Delivers Two IRIS-T Anti-Air Systems to Ukraine
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