EU pledges 160 million euros to support Ukraine this winter

European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen visited Kyiv on Friday to announce a significant aid package aimed at supporting Ukraine through the harsh winter months. The EU pledged 160 million euros, with 100 million euros sourced from Russian assets frozen due to the ongoing conflict that began with Russia's invasion in February 2022. This funding is crucial as approximately half of Ukraine's energy infrastructure has been severely damaged, complicating efforts to provide heating for homes, hospitals, and schools as temperatures drop. Von der Leyen emphasized the importance of international assistance, stating that the destruction of energy facilities by Russian forces is a deliberate tactic to undermine Ukrainian morale. The EU's support is not only about immediate relief but also about ensuring that the Ukrainian economy remains functional during this challenging period. Lithuania is actively contributing by dismantling a thermal power plant to aid in rebuilding efforts in Ukraine. In addition to the financial aid, the EU is working on diversifying energy production in Ukraine through solar panels and other technologies. This strategy aims to reduce the vulnerability of the energy grid to Russian attacks while promoting a greener economy. Von der Leyen highlighted that continued electricity exports from EU countries would cover about a quarter of Ukraine's energy needs in the coming months. Overall, the EU has provided at least 2 billion euros in energy support since the conflict began, reflecting a strong commitment to assist Ukraine in overcoming the challenges posed by the ongoing war and the impending winter conditions.