Bern, 23 December 2022
The harsh winter is posing a severe threat to millions of Ukrainians. Many are without electricity and heating due to targeted attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure. Switzerland is organising its next consignment of humanitarian aid for the Ukrainian population, with 40 heaters and an equal number of generators. The lorries loaded with this equipment left for Ukraine today.
The winter is worsening the plight of millions of Ukrainians who have already been suffering because of the war for ten months. The recurring targeted attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have left many households without electricity, water or other basic services. Many fear that they will have no heating this winter.
After having delivered thirty generators last week, Switzerland is now sending Ukraine forty heaters and the same number of generators. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) obtained the supplies in Switzerland and organised their transport. They will be delivered to the Ukrainian civil defence authorities and used in tents or large spaces where residents can come to warm up. The Swiss authorities are currently looking into the possibility of sending additional relief supplies.
These deliveries are part of a broader action plan to help the Ukrainian population make it through this winter. The plan, officially announced by President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis at the Paris conference of 13 December, foresees funding for projects aimed at swiftly building back energy infrastructure and housing in Ukraine. In addition, several SDC-supported projects have been adapted to meet winter needs. In November, Switzerland allocated CHF 100 million, which Parliament approved in December, to support all these measures.
Source – Swiss Government