Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation
12/18/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/18/2024 05:04
New winter support package for Ukraine: Switzerland helping to repair destroyed homes and energy infrastructure
Due to the intensified Russian attacks, large parts of the Ukrainian population are suffering from cuts to power and heating. Switzerland is helping Ukraine to cope with the challenges of winter with almost CHF 45 million. The funds will be used to restore energy infrastructure, renovate damaged homes and meet urgent humanitarian needs.
The targeted attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure have had devastating consequences. More than half of the country's energy production has been destroyed, leaving millions of people without adequate access to electricity, heating and water. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) are helping the authorities, local partners and UN organisations to provide for the Ukrainian population this winter.
Specialists from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) are also stationed in Kyiv. Throughout the country, they are supporting Ukrainian civil defence forces and heating providers in repairing damaged generators, heat pumps and energy systems and putting them back into operation. In Odesa, thanks to financial support and the SHA's expertise, it has been possible to ensure that vital facilities such as hospitals and schools remain open in wintertime and that 105,000 residents have a functioning heating system.
In parallel to this emergency aid, the SECO is supporting energy infrastructure and efficiency at the municipal level. Contributions to multilateral funds such as the Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership (E5P) and the Ukraine Energy Support Fund can be used to restore and modernise municipal energy systems. By financing spare parts and fuel, and investing in energy efficiency, they are helping to secure the supply of electricity to urban and rural areas. SECO has also financed the transport of power generating equipment, including cables and grid construction elements, a work platform and transformers, which were provided by a Swiss energy company and are urgently needed in Ukraine.
Support for vulnerable groups
Switzerland pays special attention to particularly vulnerable groups, especially internally displaced persons and people living near the front line or in remote regions. It is supporting them, for example, with distributions of fuel for heating, winter clothing, and also helping to renovate and insulate homes damaged in the war. Over 15,000 people receive this targeted aid thanks to cooperation with partner organisations such as the Danish Refugee Council, the UNHCR, and Swiss and Ukrainian organisations.
The winter aid package builds on existing experience and networks. In the last two winters, Switzerland provided a total of CHF 84.5 million for specific winter aid. The winter aid package is an integral part of Switzerland's international cooperation activities in Ukraine. Since February 2022, Switzerland has provided over CHF 477 million in support to people affected by the war in Ukraine and its neighbouring countries.
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