UK to provide $71 million winter aid package to Ukraine
The latest announcement comes as Kyiv experienced widespread power outages on Oct. 8 following a Russian attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Over 3 million residents in the capital lost power in what officials described as "an attack on one of the energy facilities important for the city of Kyiv."
The United Kingdom has announced a £71 million ($71 million) winter aid package for Ukraine, ahead of the country's fifth winter under Russian attack. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband revealed the funding during his first trip to Ukraine as Foreign Secretary, on October 8. The aid package includes £20 million ($26 million) for emergency repairs to Ukraine's energy grids, as well as funding for backup generators and solar power sources.
An additional £34 million ($45 million) will be invested in securing heating systems and maintaining water infrastructure in anticipation of the winter months.
The announcement comes amid widespread power outages in Kyiv following a Russian attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Over 3 million residents in the capital were left without power, described as an attack on an energy facility crucial for the city. Speaking in Kyiv, Miliband emphasized that the funding sends a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin: "You cannot wait us out.
Until you choose the path of peace, the U.K. will not relent in its support for Ukraine, our values, or our national security. You will remain a pariah."
Earlier, the UK published 38 new sanctions listings targeting ships aiding Russia in evading existing sanctions and various companies in Moscow's military-industrial complex, energy, and cryptocurrency sectors. London also announced a £100 million ($135 million) air defense package, including funding for Patriot missiles, to help Ukraine prepare for potential renewed Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure.
Since Russia's full-scale invasion began, the UK has provided Ukraine with over £1 billion ($1.3 billion) in humanitarian and energy support.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
