The Australian Government is providing a further $10 million to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to help keep lights on, homes heated and essential services operating as Russia continues systematic strikes on civilian areas and critical energy infrastructure.
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Across Ukraine, families are enduring prolonged blackouts, freezing temperatures and major disruptions to basic services including hospitals as Russia intensifies attacks during one of Ukraine’s harshest winters.
Since February 2022, the Australian Government has provided more than $1.7 billion in important military, humanitarian, economic and energy assistance. This announcement brings Australia’s total contribution to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to $40 million.
The Ukraine Energy Support Fund enables Ukraine’s energy sector to undertake urgent repairs and replacement of damaged equipment, helping restore electricity supply and maintain critical infrastructure.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said, “Russia is weaponising winter against the people of Ukraine.
“Russia’s continued strikes on homes and critical infrastructure shows it is not serious about ending the war, despite ongoing efforts by the United States and Coalition of the Willing partners to secure a just and lasting peace.
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“We reiterate our call on Russia to immediately end its illegal war and adhere to its obligations under international law.”
