The European Union has accused Russia of deliberately attempting to “freeze Ukraine” by targeting its energy infrastructure, with the aim of breaking civilian morale ahead of rare trilateral talks involving the United States.
According to the European Commission, Russia’s continued attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid are depriving civilians of heating, electricity, and basic services in the middle of a harsh winter.
EU Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, stated that these attacks are intentional.
“Russia’s continued attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure are deliberately depriving civilians of heating, light, and basic services in the middle of winter. They are designed to break the Ukrainian spirit. They will fail,” she said.
In response, the European Commission announced it will dispatch 447 emergency generators from the EU’s strategic rescEU reserves, currently located in Poland. The generators will be distributed by Ukraine’s Ministry for the Development of Communities and Territories, in cooperation with the Ukrainian Red Cross, to the most affected communities.
“Europe responds with action, not words. This new delivery of generators is already on its way and adds to more than 9,500 generators the EU has provided across Ukraine so far,” Lahbib emphasized.
European Commission spokesperson Eva Hrncirova also stressed that the EU will not allow Russia to force Ukraine into submission through winter conditions.
“We will not allow Russia to freeze Ukraine. We bring light and warmth where Russia brings darkness.”
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s energy grid operator reported that the country’s energy situation has deteriorated significantly following the latest Russian air strikes. According to authorities, several energy production facilities are currently undergoing emergency repairs.
