European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv on Friday, promising financial support for Ukraine’s damaged energy infrastructure. This funding will partly come from frozen Russian assets.
Ongoing Energy Crisis
Ukraine faces severe electricity blackouts as Russia continues to target key civilian infrastructure, leaving parts of the eastern region without power for hours. As winter approaches, the situation remains uncertain for many Ukrainians.
On Thursday, the European Commission announced an additional €160 million to strengthen Ukraine’s energy network. Of this amount, €100 million will be sourced from windfall profits generated by the EU from interest on frozen Russian assets. Additionally, €60 million is designated for humanitarian aid and shelters for civilians displaced by Russian airstrikes.
Escalating Attacks
Since August, Russia has intensified its attacks in response to a Ukrainian military offensive in the Kursk region. Even prior to this increase in hostilities, more than two-thirds of Ukraine’s pre-war power generation capacity had already been destroyed, damaged, or was under occupation, according to the International Energy Agency.
Von der Leyen’s Remarks
“This is my eighth visit to Kyiv at a crucial time,” von der Leyen stated upon her arrival. “The heating season begins in two weeks, and Russia’s relentless attacks on Ukraine’s civilian energy infrastructure aim to inflict maximum damage. We will help Ukraine in its brave efforts to overcome this.”
Von der Leyen will also discuss Ukraine’s EU membership aspirations and the use of loans organized by the Group of Seven to support the Ukrainian economy. “We’ll discuss global support for Ukraine’s plans for peace and recovery,” she added.
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