Ireland pledges €25 million to support Ukraine’s energy infrastructure

Ireland has announced a €25 million contribution to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund (UESF) to aid the restoration and protection of Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure, which has been repeatedly targeted by Russian attacks.

The funding, approved by Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, on January 29 comes as Ukraine faces prolonged electricity, heating, and water outages during some of the coldest winter temperatures in years, with parts of the country experiencing lows of -20°C to -23°C, Caliber.Az reports per Ireland's defence ministry. 

Minister McEntee, speaking from Brussels at a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, emphasised the humanitarian urgency. 

“Russia is cynically weaponising extreme winter conditions against the people of Ukraine by systematically degrading critical energy infrastructure. The Irish contribution of €25 million will help restore light and warmth to homes at a time when civilians are most vulnerable,” she said.

The funding fulfills a commitment made during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Ireland last December and is part of the 2030 Roadmap on Ukraine-Ireland Partnership, signed by Taoiseach Michael Martin TD and President Zelenskyy. The Ukraine Energy Support Fund is administered by the Energy Community.

“The people of Ukraine continue to endure immense suffering. This contribution demonstrates Ireland’s steadfast support and complements our ongoing humanitarian and development aid. Ireland will continue to stand with Ukraine throughout the war and its recovery," Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, added. 

By Sabina Mammadli