EU to Transfer 100 Million Euros from Frozen Russian Assets to Ukraine
BRUSSELS – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that an additional 160 million euros will be sent to Ukraine for this winter, with 100 million euros coming from revenue generated by frozen Russian assets. Von der Leyen held a joint press conference with Fatih Birol, President of the International Energy Agency. She thanked Birol for the excellent cooperation between the EU and the IEA and provided updates on the current situation in the Russia-Ukraine war. She noted that the war would surpass a thousand days within a month, stating, “Since the start of the war, they have targeted the energy infrastructure to plunge the country into darkness. Half of the country's energy infrastructure has been destroyed, which is roughly equivalent to the total capacity of three Baltic states. This gives you an idea of the brutality of these attacks.”
Von der Leyen mentioned that Russia launched a 12-hour assault on August 26, firing over 230 missiles at Ukraine, targeting power plants, substations, and other critical infrastructure. “Millions of Ukrainians were left without electricity for hours. As Ukraine's friends and partners, we must do everything we can to keep the lights on. As winter approaches, we must support the economy while keeping the brave people of Ukraine warm,” she said.
“We have set aside nearly 160 million euros for this winter”
Von der Leyen pointed out that the EU aims to make Ukraine's energy system more resilient in the long term while addressing the urgent needs of its population. She stated that Ukraine needs 17 gigawatts of energy capacity for this winter. Therefore, she recommended actions to repair, connect, and stabilize the energy infrastructure, saying, “These three goals require significant financial support. Overall, we estimate that our support for Ukraine's energy security has reached at least 2 billion euros since February 2022. Today, I can announce that we will set aside nearly 160 million euros for this winter. This includes 60 million euros in humanitarian aid for shelters and heaters, and about 100 million euros for repair work and renewable energy. This 100 million euros will be funded by revenue from frozen Russian assets in the EU. It is only right that Russia pays for the destruction it has caused. We know more is needed. Therefore, we must continue to transfer some of the revenue from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine's energy infrastructure.”
“This winter will be the toughest test for Ukrainians”
Fatih Birol, who presented the IEA report titled “Energy Security in Ukraine and the Coming Winter,” explained the steps needed to improve the country’s urgent energy security and long-term energy resilience. Birol stated, “The situation in Ukraine is one of the world's most urgent energy security issues today. Thanks to the resilience, courage of its people, and strong solidarity from international partners, Ukraine has managed to get through the last two winters. However, this winter will be the toughest test yet.”
EU countries had frozen approximately 210 billion euros of assets from the Russian Central Bank as a sanction against Russia's invasion of Ukraine. On July 26, the European Union made its first transfer by sending 1.5 billion euros obtained from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine.
Kaynak: İHA
