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EU deploys emergency generators as Russian strikes left one million Ukrainians without power in -20°C
Over one million Ukrainians are without electricity, water and heating in freezing temperatures following relentless Russian strikes on energy infrastructure. The European Commission is today deploying 447 emergency generators worth €3.7 million from EU strategic reserves to restore power to hospitals, shelters and critical services.
The generators - mobilised from rescEU strategic reserves hosted in Poland - will be distributed by the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine in cooperation with the Ukrainian Red Cross to the most affected communities.
This mobilisation is designed to address urgent needs and builds on continuous EU support to Ukraine's energy resilience. Since Russia's full-scale invasion began, the EU has sent near 10,000 generators to Ukraine through the Civil Protection Mechanism ('UCPM'). Ahead of this winter, the Commission also completed the relocation of a full thermal power plant donated by Lithuania - the largest coordinated logistical operation in the Mechanism's history - to restore critical capacity to Ukraine's grid.
The Commission strongly condemns Russia's attacks on critical energy infrastructure and the humanitarian harm they cause. The EU will not let Russia freeze Ukraine into submission and will continue helping Ukrainians get through this winter.
Background
The Commission has allocated over €1,2 billion for humanitarian aid to protect civilians, and delivered over 160,000 tonnes of aid via the UCPM since Russia's invasion began. This includes solid fuels, heating appliances, generators and emergency heating points.
In addition to humanitarian aid, at least €3 billion has been provided to Ukraine for energy security. Ahead of this winter, the Commission mobilized €927 million for emergency gas purchases in Ukraine, and EU electricity export capacity is at a maximum level.
For more information:
Commission delivers thermal plant to supply power for 1 million Ukrainians