Germany allocates $217 million for Ukraine’s humanitarian winter aid amid Russian energy strikes

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has announced a new 200 million euro ($217 million) humanitarian aid package for Ukraine, focused on essential winter supplies for civilians affected by the ongoing war, DPA reports.

Russia launched over 1,000 attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure since October 2022, damaging over half of Ukraine’s electricity-generating capacity. These assaults have led to widespread power outages and are expected to exacerbate humanitarian challenges, particularly as winter approaches.

Ukraine could face daily power outages lasting up to 20 hours this winter due to extensive damage to its energy infrastructure. Ukraine, heavily dependent on nuclear energy for 60% of its electricity, struggles to protect its plants due to limited air defense capabilities.

Baerbock visited Kyiv on 4 November, where she met with Ukrainian counterpart Andrij Sybiha, marking her eighth trip since the onset of the war in February 2022 and emphasizing Germany’s “rock-solid” support for Ukraine during a critical phase of the war. 

She outlined that the aid package will specifically target households near front-line areas that lack energy infrastructure, providing fuel supplies and basic winter necessities.

 The package specifically allocates resources for:

– Solid fuel distribution to frontline areas

– Thermal insulation materials

– Winter clothing and blankets

– Cash assistance programs

– Humanitarian mine clearing operations

The Foreign Minister also visited a power station on 4 November and addressed Russia’s military strategy, noting that nearly two-thirds of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has been destroyed. 

She pointed to evidence of systematic targeting of power plants and transmission lines across the country, while also highlighting Russia’s reported weapons cooperation with North Korea.

The minister emphasized that “the best protection is strengthening Ukraine’s air defense.” She noted that since the beginning of the war, Germany has already delivered three Patriot systems, a total of nine Iris-T systems, and two other systems.

Baerbock assured that Germany would continue to provide Ukraine with support in this area and unite “our forces at the international level, especially through the air defense initiative.”

“I once again call on all partners worldwide to provide support in this field,” the minister urged.

In September, Germany also allocated €100 million (about $111 million) in aid to Ukraine to help support the country through the winter amid Russia’s intensified attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

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