The German government is providing additional funding to support Ukraine ahead of winter, amid continued Russian attacks on the country's energy infrastructure. The Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) announced in a joint statement on Friday that an additional €200 million would be made available at short notice for winter assistance. The Bundestag's Budget Committee has cleared the way for the funding.
"Russia is relying on escalation and using winter as a weapon against civilians in Ukraine," the ministries said in Berlin. "Less than a thousand kilometres from Germany, schools, humanitarian aid supplies and energy infrastructure are being destroyed," said Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan (SPD).
Russia wants to make Ukraine "uninhabitable", she said. "Putin must not be allowed to succeed," the minister added. Germany's support is a sign of solidarity, "but also a contribution to security in Europe", the ministries said.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) said: "Ukraine is where the question of whether Europe's security order can be restored and peace achieved will be decided." Russia's targeted attacks on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure left only one possible conclusion, he said. "Instead of finally committing to serious negotiations, Moscow believes the winter cold is on its side," the foreign minister stated.
However, Russian President Vladimir Putin was underestimating "the resilience of Ukraine and its partners", Wadephul added. "Our message is clear: We stand by Ukraine and will strengthen it for as long as necessary," he said.
According to the ministries, the German funding will finance measures to maintain electricity, heating and water supplies, as well as support schools and kindergartens, agriculture and disaster management. The Federal Foreign Office will also provide humanitarian assistance, primarily supporting people in areas close to the front lines, internally displaced persons and refugees in neighbouring countries such as Moldova.
In addition, funding will go towards winter preparations in cities, with a particular focus on water and sanitation facilities and healthcare services.
Russia continues its attacks despite diplomatic efforts to bring the Russian war of aggression to an end. Attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure have already repeatedly caused power and heating outages as temperatures begin to fall. In light of these attacks, Ukraine fears facing another difficult winter amid the ongoing war.
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