Australia will provide an additional $10 million AUD (about $6.9 million USD) to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to help sustain electricity, heating, and essential services amid ongoing Russian strikes on civilian and energy infrastructure, the Australian Foreign Ministry said on 23 January.
The funding comes as Ukraine faces another winter under sustained pressure on its power system. Russian forces have continued large-scale attacks on power plants, substations, and heating facilities, leading to prolonged blackouts and disruptions to hospitals, water supply, and public transport across multiple regions.
"Russia is weaponizing winter"
“Russia is weaponising winter against the people of Ukraine,” Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said. She added that continued strikes on homes and critical infrastructure showed Russia was “not serious about ending the war,” despite diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting peace.
International Development Minister Anne Aly said Ukrainian civilians continued to bear the brunt of the 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,” she said.
Australia's support reaches $1.2 billion since 2022
Since February 2022, Australia has provided more than $1.7 billion AUD (about $1.2 billion USD) in military, humanitarian, economic, and energy assistance to Ukraine. The latest pledge brings Australia’s total contribution to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to $40 million AUD (about $27 million USD).
Energy system under relentless assault
Ukraine’s energy system has suffered repeated mass attacks since late 2022, with Russia increasing the scale and frequency of strikes during colder months. The damage has forced emergency shutdowns, rolling power cuts, and urgent repairs to prevent wider system failure.
The Ukraine Energy Support Fund finances rapid repairs and replacement of damaged equipment, allowing energy workers to restore electricity and stabilise key infrastructure under wartime conditions.
