Berlin pledges €250 million for repairs to Ukraine's energy facilities

Germany is contributing a further €250 million ($290 million) towards the costs of urgent repair work on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

The Economy Ministry said on Thursday that the aid is intended to safeguard the supply of energy and heating to the Ukrainian population despite ongoing Russian attacks. 

"The energy supply, in particular, remains a front line in this war. That is why we are supporting Ukraine in protecting and rebuilding its energy infrastructure and are calling on all international partners to make further efforts," said Economy Minister Katherina Reiche. 

Support for Ukraine is being provided in collaboration with the German business community, she explained. "Thanks to their donations of energy supplies, 1.4 million people have already had their energy supply restored. At the same time, we are mobilizing private investment for the reconstruction."

Russia has repeatedly bombed Ukraine's power stations and energy grids. Last winter, millions of people in the capital, Kiev, were without heating and had barely any electricity for weeks.

According to the ministry, the Ukraine Energy Support Fund has raised around €2.4 billion from international donors since the war began four and a half years ago. 

With a contribution of €810 million to date, Germany is the fund's largest contributor, with aid channelled through the KfW development bank.