UK to provide $71 million winter aid package to Ukraine
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The United Kingdom will provide Ukraine with 54 million pounds ($71 million) in humanitarian and energy funding ahead of Ukraine's fifth winter under Russian attack, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced on Oct. 8.
The latest aid package, announced during Miliband's first trip to Ukraine as Foreign Secretary, includes 20 million pounds ($26 million) in funding for emergency repairs to Ukraine's energy grids, as well funding for back-up generators and solar power sources. Another 34 million pounds ($45 million) will support be invested in "securing heating, and maintaining water infrastructure" in anticipation of the winter months, according to a government press release.
The latest announcement comes as Kyiv experienced widespread power outages on Oct. 8 following a Russian attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Over 3 million residents in the capital lost power in what officials described as "an attack on one of the energy facilities important for the city of Kyiv."
Residents across Ukraine are preparing for another harsh winter, with additional Russian attacks expected on energy infrastructure across the country, as Moscow continues to test the resolve of Ukrainians.
Speaking in Kyiv, Miliband said that the latest funding sends a clear message to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"You cannot wait us out. Until you choose the path of peace, the U.K. will not relent in its support for Ukraine, our values, or our national security. You will remain a pariah," Miliband said.
Earlier in the day, the U.K. published 38 new sanctions listings targeting ships helping Russia evade existing sanctions and a range of companies in Moscow's military-industrial complex, energy, and cryptocurrency sectors.
A staunch ally of Ukraine, London also announced last month that it will provide Ukraine with a £100 million ($135 million) air defense package, including funding for Patriot missiles, as Kyiv prepares for renewed Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure.
Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, the U.K. has provided Ukraine with over 1 billion pounds ($1.3 billion) in humanitarian and energy support.
