The Albanese Government is providing a further $10 million to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to help keep lights on, homes heated and essential services operating as Russia continues systematic strikes on civilian areas and critical energy infrastructure.
Across Ukraine, families are enduring prolonged blackouts, freezing temperatures and major disruptions to basic services including hospitals as Russia intensifies attacks during one of Ukraine's harshest winters.
Australia has stood firmly with Ukraine since Russia's illegal and full-scale invasion.
Since February 2022, we have provided more than $1.7 billion in important military, humanitarian, economic and energy assistance.
Today's announcement brings Australia's total contribution to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to $40 million.
The Ukraine Energy Support Fund enables Ukraine's energy sector to undertake urgent repairs and replacement of damaged equipment, helping restore electricity supply and maintain critical infrastructure.
Quotes attributable to Foreign Minister Penny Wong:
"Russia is weaponising winter against the people of Ukraine.
"Russia's continued strikes on homes and critical infrastructure shows it is not serious about ending the war, despite ongoing efforts by the United States and Coalition of the Willing partners to secure a just and lasting peace.
"We reiterate our call on Russia to immediately end its illegal war and adhere to its obligations under international law."
Quotes attributable to International Development Minister Anne Aly:
"Ukrainian people continue to suffer at the hands of Russia's illegal invasion.
"Australia's additional support will provide power for Ukrainian families during the harshest winter since the invasion began - keeping the lights on, houses warm and basic services open.
"We continue to stand with Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty."
