EU deploys emergency generators as Russian strikes leave 1 million Ukrainians without power

On 23 January, the European Commission deployed 447 emergency generators worth €3.7 million from EU strategic reserves to restore power to hospitals, shelters and critical services.

Following Russian strikes on energy infrastructure over 1 million Ukrainians ended up without electricity, water, and heating in freezing temperatures of around -20°C.

The generators – mobilised from rescEU strategic reserves hosted in Poland – will be distributed by the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine in cooperation with the Ukrainian Red Cross to the most affected communities.

“Russia’s continued attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure are deliberately depriving civilians of heat, light and basic services in the middle of harsh winter. They are designed to break Ukrainian spirit. They will fail,” said Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management and Equality, Hadja Lahbib. “Europe responds with action, not words. The new shipment of generators is already on the way, adding to more than 9,500 EU-provided generators already providing power across Ukraine.”

The Commission has allocated over €1,2 billion for humanitarian aid to protect civilians, and delivered over 160,000 tonnes of aid via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) since Russia’s invasion began. This includes solid fuels, heating appliances, 10,000 generators, and emergency heating points.

Ahead of this winter, the Commission also completed the relocation of a full thermal power plant donated by Lithuania – the largest coordinated logistical operation in the Mechanism’s history – to restore critical capacity to Ukraine’s grid.

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Press release