Over one million Ukrainians are currently experiencing a lack of electricity, water, and heating in freezing temperatures, a direct consequence of ongoing Russian strikes on energy infrastructure. In response, the European Commission is deploying 447 emergency generators, valued at €3.7 million, from EU strategic reserves to restore essential services for hospitals, shelters, and other critical facilities.
These generators, mobilised from rescEU strategic reserves based in Poland, will be distributed by the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, in collaboration with the Ukrainian Red Cross, to the most impacted communities.
“Ukraine is currently going through the most difficult winter since the beginning of the war. The Russian Federation continues to deliberately destroy our energy infrastructure and utility facilities in an attempt to deprive Ukrainian citizens of access to electricity, heat, and water. Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of our specialists and the timely aid of our partners, these risks are being minimised. We are deeply grateful to the European Commission and the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) under the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) for their comprehensive and effective support to the affected communities, which is critical for the survival of millions of people and strengthening the resilience of our country amidst ongoing energy terror,” stated Oleksii Kuleba, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine – Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine.
This initiative is designed to meet urgent needs and is part of the EU’s ongoing commitment to enhancing Ukraine’s energy resilience. Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the EU has dispatched nearly 10,000 generators to Ukraine through the Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM).
Additionally, before the onset of winter, the Commission completed the relocation of a complete thermal power plant donated by Lithuania, representing the largest coordinated logistical operation in the Mechanism’s history, aimed at restoring critical capacity to Ukraine’s energy grid.
The Commission firmly condemns Russia’s attacks on vital energy infrastructure and the resulting humanitarian impact. The EU remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine, ensuring that assistance continues throughout the winter months.
“Russia’s continued attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure are deliberately depriving civilians of heat, light and basic services in the middle of harsh winter. They are designed to break Ukrainian spirit. They will fail. Europe responds with action, not words. The new shipment of generators is already on the way, adding to more than 9,500 EU-provided generators already providing power across Ukraine,” said Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management.
The Commission has allocated over €1.2 billion for humanitarian aid to protect civilians, delivering more than 160,000 tonnes of assistance through the UCPM since Russia’s invasion. This includes solid fuels, heating appliances, and generators.
Additionally, at least €3 billion has been designated for Ukraine’s energy security. In preparation for winter, €927 million has been mobilised for emergency gas purchases, and EU electricity export capacity is at its maximum.
