EU deploys emergency generators as Russian strikes leave 1 million Ukrainians without power in -20°C

Over 1 million Ukrainians are without electricity, water and heating in freezing temperatures following relentless Russian strikes on energy infrastructure. The European Commission is deploying 447 emergency generators worth €3.7 million from EU strategic reserves to restore power to hospitals, shelters and critical services.

The generators - mobilized from rescEU strategic reserves hosted in Poland - will be distributed by the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine in cooperation with the Ukrainian Red Cross to the most affected communities.

This mobilisation is designed to address urgent needs and builds on continuous EU support to Ukraine's energy resilience. Since Russia's full-scale invasion began, the EU has sent near 10,000 generators to Ukraine through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). 

Ahead of this winter, the Commission also completed the relocation of a full thermal power plant donated by Lithuania - the largest coordinated logistical operation in the Mechanism's history - to restore critical capacity to Ukraine's grid.

The Commission strongly condemns Russia's attacks on critical energy infrastructure and the humanitarian harm they cause. The EU will not let Russia freeze Ukraine into submission and will continue helping Ukrainians get through this winter.

Preparedness, Crisis Management and Equality Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, said: 

'Russia’s continued attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure are deliberately depriving civilians of heat, light and basic services in the middle of harsh winter. They are designed to break Ukrainian spirit. They will fail. Europe responds with action, not words. The new shipment of generators is already on the way, adding to more than 9,500 EU-provided generators already providing power across Ukraine.' 

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Vice Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine – Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, Oleksii Kuleba, said: 

'Ukraine is currently going through the most difficult winter since the beginning of the war. The Russian Federation continues to deliberately destroy our energy infrastructure and utility facilities in an attempt to deprive Ukrainian citizens of access to electricity, heat, and water. Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of our specialists and the timely aid of our partners, these risks are being minimised. We are deeply grateful to the European Commission and the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) under the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) for their comprehensive and effective support to the affected communities, which is critical for the survival of millions of people and strengthening the resilience of our country amidst ongoing energy terror.' 

Background

The Commission has allocated over €1,2 billion for humanitarian aid to protect civilians, and delivered over 160,000 tonnes of aid via the UCPM since Russia's invasion began. This includes solid fuels, heating appliances, generators and emergency heating points.

In addition to humanitarian aid, at least €3 billion has been provided to Ukraine for energy security. Ahead of this winter, the Commission mobilized €927 million for emergency gas purchases in Ukraine, and EU electricity export capacity is at a maximum level.

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