EU sends 447 generators to Ukraine as strikes leave 1M without power

BRUSSELS

The European Union on Friday announced the deployment of hundreds of emergency generators to Ukraine after "Russian strikes" on energy infrastructure left more than one million people without electricity, water and heating amid freezing temperatures.

In a statement, the European Commission said it is mobilizing 447 emergency generators worth €3.7 million ($4.3 million) to help restore power to hospitals, shelters and other critical services.

The generators will be distributed by Ukraine's Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories, in cooperation with the Ukrainian Red Cross, to the most affected areas, the commission added.

The move comes as Ukraine faces temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius following what Brussels described as "relentless Russian attacks on the country's energy infrastructure."

"The EU will not let Russia freeze Ukraine into submission and will continue helping Ukrainians get through this winter," the statement said.

Since the war started in February 2022, the EU has delivered nearly 10,000 generators to Ukraine through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM).

According to the EU Commission, more than €1.2 billion has been allocated for humanitarian aid to Ukraine since the start of the war, with over 160,000 tons of assistance.

In addition, at least €3 billion ($3.5 billion) has been provided to Ukraine to support energy security.

Ahead of winter, the EU mobilized €927 million ($1,088 million) for emergency gas purchases, while electricity export capacity to Ukraine is currently at its maximum level.