Partners raise over $4 billion for restoration of Ukraine's energy infrastructure - Secretary Blinken
Photo: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
G7 countries and other partners have raised over $4 billion since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion for the restoration of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, states US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the G7+ ministerial meeting in New York regarding support for Ukraine's energy sector.
"We have collectively, as G7 and other partner countries, worked to mobilize resources over the last couple of years for Ukraine, for its people, to ensure that they have the energy supplies that they need and that the country can deliver those supplies to the people who need them," said Blinken.
He noted that in just over two years since Russia's full-scale invasion, "the G7+ countries have mobilized more than $4 billion."
Blinken emphasized that only in the last month, new contributions have been announced by Germany, the Netherlands, and other countries.
In June, US Vice President Kamala Harris announced $500 million for energy needs, and last month the US allocated an additional $300 million, bringing America's contribution in this sector to $1.8 billion.
"This money is important, but what it really means is it translates into practical necessities to help our Ukrainian friends get through the coming months, and particularly getting through the winter," Blinken pointed out.
The US Secretary of State highlighted that the coming winter will be challenging for Ukraine. "That’s why our countries have been working together every single day to help ensure that Ukraine has what it needs to get through the winter," he added.
As Blinken explained, participants in the ministerial meeting in New York will discuss the current situation and plans for the near future to restore Ukraine's energy infrastructure, which has been damaged by Russian strikes.
Attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure
Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, hundreds of missiles and drones have been launched at Ukrainian energy facilities. The first major wave of attacks occurred in the fall and winter of 2022.
Strikes on Ukraine's energy sector have continued throughout the entire full-scale war, but since March, Russia has noticeably intensified its attacks.
According to a UN report, this winter, Ukrainians should expect power outages lasting from four to 18 hours per day.
