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German Government provides Ukraine with further funding for winter relief
-- Joint press release by the Federal Foreign Office and the Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development --
Russia continues to be bent on escalation – and is not shying away from using yet another winter as a weapon against the civilian population in Ukraine. For some time now, Russia has been drastically intensifying its attacks on Ukrainian cities, as well as on the country’s energy, water, transport and logistics infrastructure. Power outages have become a daily occurrence in Ukraine, while water supplies have become unreliable. At the same time, Russia is expanding the front zone by deploying longer-range drones, forcing an increasing number of people to flee their homes. With winter approaching, Ukraine urgently requires further support to provide the population with basic necessities and to maintain the energy and water supply. The Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development are therefore providing at short notice additional funding totalling 200 million euro for winter relief. The Bundestag Budget Committee opened the way for this today.
Federal Foreign Minister Dr Johann Wadephul:
It will be decided in Ukraine whether the security order in Europe can be restored and whether a return to peace is possible. Russia’s targeted attacks on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure point to only one conclusion: instead of finally committing to serious negotiations, Moscow believes that the winter chill is on its side. Russia is prepared to use any means necessary to bring the people of Ukraine to their knees in their fifth winter of war. Attacks on heat, water and energy infrastructure are ever more targeted. This strategy will fail because Putin continues to underestimate the resilience of Ukraine and its partners. In the face of this acute emergency, the Federal Foreign Office is making available more urgently needed humanitarian assistance. We are supporting families in need, safeguarding vital access to heat and drinking water and helping to maintain medical care. Our message is clear: we will stand with Ukraine and strengthen it – for as long as is necessary.
Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan:
Not one thousand kilometres away from Germany, schools, aid supplies and energy infrastructure are being destroyed. People are being killed in attacks. Millions of people are freezing because of targeted attacks on the electricity supply. From many water pipes not one drop of water flows. Russia wants to make Ukraine uninhabitable. Putin must not succeed in doing that. Whilst the war brings cold, death and fear, we are helping with warmth and electricity. Our support is a sign of solidarity, but it is also a contribution to security in Europe – and it helps ensure that Ukrainians can keep on living in their country. This war and this suffering have to end. An energy ceasefire would be a first step.
Ukraine continues to hold its ground with sustained resilience against the Russian war of aggression. This is the only way to ensure that the country can negotiate a just and lasting peace.
The German Government’s winter relief helps strengthen on a long-term basis the Ukrainian state’s ability to act, as well as the country’s economic viability and social resilience, in fending off Russia’s aggression.
Resources from the BMZ’s emergency fund will therefore be used to finance measures for the electricity, heating and water supply, as well as support for schools, kindergartens, the agricultural sector and disaster prevention capacities.
The Federal Foreign Office is providing humanitarian assistance, primarily supporting people in areas near the front, internally displaced persons and refugees in neighbouring countries such as the Republic of Moldova. Furthermore, funding is being provided to help cities prepare for winter, with a particular focus on water, sanitation and health services.