On his first visit to Kyiv as Foreign Secretary, Ed Miliband announced £54 million to help Ukraine get through the winter: energy, heating, water and cash aid.
On 8 October, UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced £54 million (about $71 million) to help Ukraine prepare for winter, during his first visit to Kyiv in that role. Kyiv Independent and Ukrinform both reported the pledge. It came on a day when a russian attack on an energy facility left a large part of the capital without electricity.
The package is split in two. £20 million goes to energy security: emergency repairs of power grids after strikes, back-up generators, solar power sources and new technology to diversify electricity supply. Volunteers Support Ukraine follows news like this closely, because a resilient power system shapes everyday life for millions of people.
A further £34 million is earmarked for keeping heating and water running for families before the cold sets in, and for direct cash assistance. The named delivery partners are UNICEF, UNHCR and the Ukrainian Red Cross, working with the Ukrainian government.
According to the UK side, Britain has provided Ukraine with more than £1 billion in humanitarian and energy support since the full-scale invasion began. Last month it also pledged £100 million for air defence. "You cannot wait us out," Miliband said. The same day, London announced 38 new sanctions listings against russia.
Support from partners helps Ukraine face its fifth winter of the full-scale war, and Volunteers Support Ukraine continues to help people affected by the war in whatever way the available resources allow.
