EU and Ukraine hold Brussels talks on urgent aid for energy sector after Russian strikes
European Commission and Ukrainian representatives met on Monday to identify the most pressing needs of cities and communities hit by attacks on critical infrastructure, with emergency EU assistance under discussion.
By Olga Menon ·
Representatives of the European Commission and Ukraine are holding a meeting on Monday 9 November to identify the priority needs of Ukrainian cities and hromadas following Russian attacks on critical infrastructure, and to discuss the possibility of urgent EU assistance, in particular through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). A hromada is an administrative unit covering a village, several villages, or a town and their adjacent territories.
Paula Pinho, chief spokesperson of the European Commission, confirmed the talks in Brussels. She said officials from both sides would sit down together to establish precisely where support is most urgently required.
"Today, this afternoon, the two teams on our side and on Ukrainian side are meeting to see exactly what are the immediate needs where we can help, notably through the UCPM," Pinho said. "And to assess exactly how we can support Ukrainian citizens in this very difficult situation."
The Commission confirmed that the critical situation in Ukraine's energy sector had already been raised in discussions between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Further details of the assistance package are expected to be settled once the consultations have concluded.
Pinho said the humanitarian situation in Ukraine is dire and accused Moscow of deliberately striking the infrastructure on which Ukrainians rely to survive the winter months.
"We will not let Russia freeze Ukraine into submission, and that's why we are fully mobilised to help Ukraine maintain essential services, including electricity, heating, water supplies," she said.
Earlier on Monday, Zelenskyy announced that during his conversation with von der Leyen the two sides had agreed that the EU would apply a special emergency response mechanism to assist Ukraine as the country braces for colder weather under continued bombardment.
Individual member states have also begun to outline their own contributions. Slovakia has announced its intention to transfer 1 million euros to Ukraine for generators, shelters and medical equipment.
Separately, the Dutch government said it will allocate 1.2 billion euros in non-military aid to Ukraine over the next three years. The funding is intended to support recovery and reconstruction and to expand opportunities for Dutch businesses.
