Borrell calls on the West to increase aid

Russia is trying to disrupt Ukraine's energy infrastructure ahead of winter to leave it in the dark and cold. Western allies need to step up the provision of air defense for Ukraine.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to the EU's chief diplomat, Josep Borrell, as quoted by Reuters.

The publication notes that since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine's energy system has been targeted, leading to power outages. These attacks have become more frequent in recent weeks ahead of winter.

Reuters cites data from the International Energy Agency released last Thursday showing that Ukraine's power supply shortfall this winter could reach 6 gigawatts, about a third of expected peak demand.

“It is obvious that Russia wants to plunge Ukraine into darkness and cold. Winter is approaching, and after Russia's attacks on energy facilities, Ukraine's energy production capacity has been reduced by two-thirds,” Borrell told reporters at a press conference in New York.

He made the statement after EU foreign ministers and earlier G7 ministers held talks with Ukrainian officials, including Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga, to discuss how to help Ukraine in the coming weeks.

“We have to support Ukraine not only by providing military capabilities, but also by providing electricity generation capacity. Otherwise, this country will have a very difficult time in the winter,” Borrell said.

Last week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a loan of up to 35 billion euros to Ukraine, saying it was needed to protect the country from Russian attacks and help it survive the winter.

“Both things have to be done simultaneously. There is no point in providing a generator today if it is destroyed tomorrow,” Borrell emphasized.

He also reminded that Moscow continues to receive new weapons, pointing in particular to Iran. This is despite Tehran's repeated denials.

“Ukraine needs to improve its military situation in order to approach peace talks in a good way, from a position of strength. The plan of victory is how to wage war. A plan for peace is how to achieve peace,” Borrell added.

Author - Dmitriy Levchenko, 24/09/2024