US pledges major aid package for Ukraine energy sector
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has announced a $1.5 billion (£1.18 billion) aid package for Ukraine, primarily aimed at bolstering the country’s energy sector.
Unveiled at a Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland, this funding will support the repair of infrastructure damaged by Russian bombardments.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Tuesday that half of the nation’s power-generating capacity has been destroyed due to the war.
He has urged Western nations to provide additional air defenses to protect both energy infrastructure and urban areas, and some have responded to this call.
Russian attacks on the power grid have necessitated rolling blackouts implemented by energy companies.
The aid package, from USAID and the State Department, includes $500 million in new funding for energy assistance and $324 million reallocated for emergency energy needs, according to a White House statement.
“These efforts will help Ukraine respond to Russia’s latest attacks on Ukraine energy infrastructure by supporting repair and recovery, improving Ukraine’s resilience to energy supply disruptions, and laying the groundwork to repair and expand Ukraine’s energy system,” it added.
Another $369m has been pledged as humanitarian assistance to help displaced persons and communities affected by the conflict, and there are plans to send a further $300m to provide life-saving equipment for border guards and law enforcement.
Since the start of the war, the US has spent more than $3.2m on humanitarian aid for Ukraine, and nearly $1.5bn on the energy sector, the statement added.
Ms Harris is attending the summit in the Swiss mountain resort of Burgenstock, which aims to discuss basic principles for ending the conflict in Ukraine, in the absence of President Joe Biden.
But with Russia not invited and key players like China staying away, expectations for significant progress at the summit are low.
