Prime Minister Keir Starmer made the announcement on Tuesday, emphasizing the UK's unwavering commitment to Ukraine amid ongoing attacks on its infrastructure.

The funding will address Ukraine’s urgent energy needs, with £20 million allocated for critical repairs to the electricity transmission network and efforts to boost power generation capacity. This includes a project to generate an additional 20MW of power, enough to supply electricity to approximately 20,000 homes. The aid will also focus on protecting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which has suffered severe damage from relentless Russian missile strikes.

A further £15 million will go toward lifesaving humanitarian assistance to help the most vulnerable. Of this, £10 million will be delivered through the UNHCR to provide rapid thermal kits, cash payments, and shelter repairs for over 21,000 families. Additional funding of £5 million will be allocated to UNICEF to deliver essential supplies to families and children facing the harsh winter conditions.

The announcement follows a wave of Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which has left millions without electricity, heating, or light. Since the beginning of 2024, Russia has launched 11 large-scale strikes targeting Ukraine’s power systems, with two-thirds of the country’s energy generation capacity now either occupied, damaged, or destroyed.

In addition to the aid, the UK has imposed fresh sanctions on Russia’s energy sector, targeting 20 shadow fleet oil tankers, including vessels Ocean Faye, Andaman Skies, and Mianzimu. These ships have collectively transported millions of barrels of Russian oil in 2024. The sanctions extend to companies like 2Rivers DMCC and 2Rivers PTE LTD, which play a key role in enabling Russia’s oil trade. By restricting these operations, the UK aims to weaken President Vladimir Putin’s oil revenues, a major source of funding for his war in Ukraine.

Prime Minister Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s resolve: “Putin’s oil revenues continue to fuel the fires of his illegal war, but these systematic attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure will not grind Ukraine down. These sanctions will add further pressure to Putin’s stalling war economy, while we strengthen Ukraine’s hand with funding for emergency support and energy system repairs.”

The UK has now sanctioned over 100 vessels involved in transporting Russian energy, including 93 oil tankers—more than any other country. These actions have disrupted Russia’s shadow fleet, with many sanctioned ships forced to remain idle outside ports, costing Moscow millions in wasted resources.

To further counter shadow fleet activity, the UK is collaborating with Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Finland, and Estonia to monitor and challenge suspected vessels operating in the Baltic Sea, mirroring efforts already implemented in the English Channel.

The humanitarian need in Ukraine remains dire, with more than 14.6 million people requiring assistance. Russian attacks continue to displace families, while the destruction of infrastructure leaves communities struggling to survive as temperatures plummet.

This new support package underscores the UK’s dual approach: providing critical aid to Ukraine’s people while increasing economic pressure on Russia to weaken its ability to wage war. As winter deepens and the conflict rages on, the UK remains steadfast in its commitment to Ukraine’s resilience and recovery. (ILKHA)