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Australia has announced more than $10 million towards the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to assist the besieged country in keeping lights on, homes heated and essential services operating while combating Russian military forces.
The assistance was announced in relation to prolonged blackouts, freezing temperatures and major disruptions to basic services including hospitals across Ukraine. This announcement brings Australia’s total contribution to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to $40 million.
Since February 2022, Australia has provided more than $1.7 billion in important military, humanitarian, economic and energy assistance.
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.
“Russia is weaponising winter against the people of Ukraine,” according to Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
“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.
“We reiterate our call on Russia to immediately end its illegal war and adhere to its obligations under international law.”
Minister Wong has previously visited a power generation facility outside Kyiv in December 2024.
“Thank you to the Anthony Albanese government for this new package of energy assistance,” according to Vasyl Myroshnychenko, Ukrainian ambassador to Australia and New Zealand.
“The additional $10 million contribution to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund will help keep the lights on, homes heated, and essential services running as Russia continues its systematic attacks on civilian areas and critical energy infrastructure.”
