Read also: Russian attack cuts power to 4,000 households in Kyiv Oblast
From USAID, this includes $500 million in new funding for energy assistance and redirecting $324 million in previously announced funds towards emergency energy needs in Ukraine, Harris said. This aid will help restore Ukraine’s energy sector and protect its infrastructure.
The United States plans to provide more than $379 million in humanitarian aid to help address the urgent needs of refugees, internally displaced persons, and war-affected communities. This support entails food assistance, health services, shelter, and water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
In collaboration with Congress, the State Department plans to provide an additional $300 million in Ukrainian civilian security assistance to support lifesaving equipment for Ukrainian border guards and law enforcement.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, the United States has devoted more than $3.2 billion in humanitarian assistance funding and nearly $1.5 billion to help the recovery of the energy sector, the White House said.
Deficit in the Ukrainian energy system
Russia has carried out five missile and drone attacks on Ukraine’s power system since March 22, according to Ukrenergo. Due to the damage, Ukrainian power plants cannot produce as much electricity as before the attacks.
Controlled emergency blackouts were introduced in all regions of Ukraine on May 14 due to a significant electricity shortage.
Read also: Russia strikes Ukrainian substation, causing power outages and train disruptions
All major thermal and hydroelectric power plants in Ukraine were damaged by Russian strikes, Ukrenergo reported on May 20.
The company urged consumers to shift the use of powerful electrical appliances to daytime hours, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Read also: Power cuts across Ukraine will be more severe next week, Ukrenergo says
Russia’s goal is a complete blackout in Ukraine, Energy Minister German Halushchenko said during a meeting with EU member state officials at the IAEA on June 6. The energy situation in Ukraine is currently worse than it has been over the past two years.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said Russia has destroyed 50% of Ukraine’s electricity generation capacity, and 73% of large thermal power plants are out of operation due to severe damage and destruction.
The situation is much worse than in 2022-2023, according to Energy Minister German Halushchenko.
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Section: Nation
Author: Владислава Топоркова
