The German Budget Committee has approved a €70 million winter aid package to support the Ukrainian energy sector.
This is stated in the report of the Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany.
The money will be used to purchase smaller thermal power plants, boiler houses, generators and solar systems for Ukrainian cities and communities.
According to Federal Minister of Development Svenja Schulze, Russia wants to exhaust and drive out Ukrainians with its attacks on energy supply, and in winter, heat and electricity are vital for the survival of people in Ukraine.
"Ukraine is standing up to this, but needs support. Germany and many allies are firmly on their side. We are supporting Ukraine in rebuilding its energy supply in a decentralised way, because then Russia will not be able to destroy it so easily. This support is solidarity, but it is also in Germany's interest. Because Ukraine is also protecting our security in Europe and in Germany in this war," the minister stressed.
The aid will go to communities whose energy and heating supplies have been severely damaged by Russian attacks. Particular attention will be paid to those that have hosted IDPs.
"Community centres, hospitals, schools and other social institutions will benefit from a more secure and independent energy supply," the statement said.
UNICEF and the World Food Programme will use the funds to support schools and medical centres, as well as bakeries that provide basic nutrition.
- Earlier, German Foreign Minister Annalena Burbock promised Ukraine an additional €100 million in aid to "help it survive the winter".
- The Danish government has allocated more than €16 million to restore Ukraine's energy sector.
- In addition, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the EU would provide Ukraine with €160 million to support the energy sector before the winter.
- Estonia has already donated more than 300 tonnes of humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian energy sector.