The European Commission is giving €153 million in emergency aid to Ukraine and refugee-hosting Moldova as millions of Ukrainians face freezing temperatures without power under sustained Russian bombardment of energy infrastructure, according to the agency in a statement. The EU is allocating an initial €145 million in humanitarian aid for Ukraine to provide protection assistance, shelter, food, cash assistance, psychosocial support, and access to water and health services. Another €8 million in Moldova will support hosting Ukrainian refugees who fled the war.
After more than a decade of hostilities and almost four years of full-scale war, Ukrainians continue to endure immense suffering. Daily civilian casualties, widespread infrastructure destruction, and mass displacement are making the massive humanitarian needs worse. With Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, millions in the country are exposed to freezing temperatures.
Alongside this humanitarian aid, the EU has stepped up emergency energy assistance. This week, 447 power generators worth €3.7 million were delivered to restore electricity to hospitals, shelters, and other critical services. Another 500 generators are now being deployed, all from rescEU strategic reserves, to help keep essential services running.
“As Russia’s full-scale invasion enters its fifth year, millions of Ukrainians are facing temperatures below freezing without power, without heat—cut off from the basic means of survival,” said Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management. “With €153 million in new humanitarian aid and an additional 947 generators deployed this month, we want people to have shelter, warmth, and hope when they need it most. Our solidarity with Ukraine is not a slogan, it is reliable, sustained humanitarian action driven strictly by needs on the ground.”
The funding comes as the war continues to devastate Ukraine’s infrastructure and displace millions. Russia’s targeted strikes on energy facilities have left large parts of the country without reliable access to heating and electricity during winter months, when temperatures regularly drop well below freezing.
