Ukraine war

As allies gather in Paris, Ukraine's Zelensky seeks emergency energy assistance

A man walks down by a damaged building, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, inside the war-torn formerly Russian occupied city of Lyman, Donetsk region of Ukraine, December 11, 2022. (Photo: Reuters)

As Russian forces target civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told Ukraine's allies meeting in Paris on Tuesday that he required at least $840 million in urgent winter energy aid.

President Emmanuel Macron of France is convening over 70 nations and institutions to examine what can be done between now and March to sustain water, food, energy, health, and transportation in the face of cold weather.

In his opening remarks, Macron stated, "Since Ukraine has regained the upper hand on the ground, Russia, whose military shortcomings have been exposed, has adopted a cynical strategy that targets civilian infrastructure to bring Ukraine to its knees."

Macron stated, "Russia's callous answer to each of your country's wins on the ground is to target vital electricity, gas, and water infrastructure for the people's survival this winter."

Macron stated that France would supply an additional 63 generators in addition to the 100 sent in November. He stated that with an additional 48,5 million euros, this year's French contribution would reach 200 million euros.

Zelenskiy stated that he required at least 800 million euros in emergency aid to combat what he termed Russia's "energy terrorism" and assist Ukrainians in surviving the winter.

"It's a lot, but it's less than the expense of a blackout," Zelenskiy remarked through a video link as he addressed the meeting.

"Thousands of businesses and social agencies continue to operate because of generators. Hospitals operate because of generators. Hundreds of thousands of jobs have been preserved due to these generators "he claimed.

Macron stated that the international gathering will seek to establish an online framework for Ukraine to list its pressing requirements and for donor nations to respond accordingly.

Olena Zelenska, Zelenskiy's wife, attended the Paris conference in person. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU would provide 30 million LED light bulbs to Ukraine. President Emmanuel Macron of France is convening over 70 nations and institutions to examine what can be done between now and March to sustain water, food, energy, health, and transportation in the face of cold weather.

In his opening remarks, Macron stated, "Since Ukraine has regained the upper hand on the ground, Russia, whose military shortcomings have been exposed, has adopted a cynical strategy that targets civilian infrastructure to bring Ukraine to its knees."

Macron stated, "Russia's callous answer to each of your country's wins on the ground is to target vital electricity, gas, and water infrastructure for the people's survival this winter."

Macron stated that France would supply an additional 63 generators in addition to the 100 sent in November. He stated that with an additional 48,5 million euros, this year's French contribution would reach 200 million euros.

Zelenskiy stated that he required at least 800 million euros in emergency aid to combat what he termed Russia's "energy terrorism" and assist Ukrainians in surviving the winter.

"It's a lot, but it's less than the expense of a blackout," Zelenskiy remarked through a video link as he addressed the meeting.

"Thousands of businesses and social agencies continue to operate because of generators. Hospitals operate because of generators. Hundreds of thousands of jobs have been preserved due to these generators "he claimed.

Macron stated that the international gathering will seek to establish an online framework for Ukraine to list its pressing requirements and for donor nations to respond accordingly.

Olena Zelenska, Zelenskiy's wife, attended the Paris conference in person. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU would provide 30 million LED light bulbs to Ukraine.

"When 50 million of these bulbs are installed alongside our partners, 1 GW, the annual output of a nuclear power plant, will be saved," she stated.


A second meeting between France, Ukraine, and some 500 French enterprises will determine whether short- to long-term investments and projects are possible.

Macron can also use the conference to demonstrate his support for Ukraine, after receiving criticism from European allies and Ukraine over the degree of French military backing and his statements on Russia.

Macron's contradictory statements towards Ukraine have prompted growing frustration in some eastern European towns. Paris has never wavered in its support for Kyiv, according to the French president, which asserts that his remarks, particularly regarding offering security guarantees to Russia, are taken out of context and that Paris has never faltered in its support for Kyiv.

Publish : 2022-12-13 17:11:00

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