For the past several weeks, the Kremlin has escalated its attacks against Ukraine's energy facilities and critical infrastructure, knocking out power for millions of people, and damaging generation capacity, including the Dnipro hydropower plant, Ukraine's biggest dam. Russia used an arsenal of missiles and Iranian-supplied drones in its attempt to plunge Ukrainians into darkness at a scale not experienced since the first days of the full-scale invasion. As has been the case far too frequently since Russia started this brutal war, innocent civilians were indiscriminately killed and injured in Russia's attacks.
While Russia has continuously attacked Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the United States has provided critical energy assistance, strengthening the resilience of these locations to help protect them and prevent critical damage, restoring power, heating homes, and enabling the people of Ukraine to focus on defending their sovereignty and their freedom from Russia's attacks.
The United States government's groundbreaking efforts to fortify Ukraine's energy grid are helping restore the provision of essential services for millions of Ukrainians and safeguarding the country's economy and security. In addition to providing emergency assistance, USAID is assisting Ukraine in continuing to integrate its grid with Europe, reform the energy sector, and create stronger energy markets that can attract private investment.
However, we need Congress to pass the national security supplemental to ensure we can continue to provide Ukraine with the support it needs in the face of these attacks.
By strengthening Ukraine's energy resilience, the United States sends a clear message to Russia that Ukraine has unwavering support from the United States. USAID's investment in Ukraine's energy infrastructure signifies more than just financial support; it embodies a steadfast commitment to upholding democratic values and defending against a bully on the world stage.
We urge the House of Representatives to pass the national security supplemental as soon as possible.
