Ukraine will receive an additional 200 million euros from Germany for winter support
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Germany will provide Ukraine with an additional 200 million euros to prepare for the winter period. The funding will be used to restore energy and water infrastructure, provide heating, provide humanitarian assistance to the population, and support socially important institutions.
This is stated in a joint statement by the German Federal Foreign Office.
The decision on additional funding was made by the Bundestag’s budget committee on November 13. The assistance will be provided by two federal ministries within the framework of the Emergency Winter Support Program for Ukraine.
The German government explained that the need for additional assistance has increased due to increased Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure. Therefore, Berlin’s main task will be to support the electricity, heating and water supply systems so that Ukrainians have access to basic services during the cold weather.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadeful said that Russia is trying to use the winter period as a tool to put pressure on Ukraine.
“Russia’s targeted attacks on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure lead to a single conclusion: instead of finally starting serious negotiations, Moscow believes that the winter cold is on its side. This strategy will fail because Putin continues to underestimate the resilience of Ukraine and its partners,” the German Foreign Minister noted.
He added that Berlin is increasing its support for Ukrainians suffering from Russian shelling. In particular, the assistance includes providing heating and drinking water, as well as supporting medical services.
“We are supporting families in need, providing vital access to heating and drinking water, and helping to maintain healthcare. Our message is clear: we stand with Ukraine and will strengthen it – no matter how long it takes,” said Vadeful.
In turn, German Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development Rim Alabali Radovan emphasized that support for Ukraine is important not only from a humanitarian point of view, but also for the security of all of Europe.
“Russia wants to make Ukraine uninhabitable. Putin must not achieve his goal. While the war brings cold, death and fear, we help with heat and electricity. Our support is a sign of solidarity, as well as a contribution to security in Europe – and it helps ensure that Ukrainians can continue to live in their country,” the minister said.
Berlin clarified that part of the funds will be channeled through the crisis fund of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
The funding will cover projects to restore and maintain electricity, heating and water supplies. It also includes assistance to schools, kindergartens and other social institutions so that they can continue operating during the winter.
In addition, Germany plans to support Ukrainian agriculture and measures to overcome the consequences of emergency situations.
The German government emphasized that the additional 200 million euros should help maintain the operation of critical infrastructure and provide Ukrainians with the most necessary things during the winter period amid Russian attacks.
It was previously reported that Ireland transferred another 25 million euros to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund. Thus, the total amount of financial assistance from the country through this mechanism reached 52 million euros.