The Netherlands steps up energy aid amid Russia’s attacks on Ukraine

The caretaker government will allocate an extra 23 million euros this year to support Ukraine’s energy sector. The funding was announced by State Secretary Aukje de Vries, who is responsible for foreign trade and development cooperation, during a visit to Ukraine.

The extra funds are intended for the purchase of gas on international markets and for urgent repairs to energy facilities damaged by Russian attacks. The required equipment, including cables and generators, will be provided by Dutch firms.

“I see with my own eyes how Ukrainian energy infrastructure is being targeted by Russian aggression,” De Vries says. “As a result, millions of Ukrainians are left without light and heating.” This brings the Netherlands’ total contribution in 2026 to 133 million euros.

President Zelensky has declared a state of emergency in Ukraine’s energy sector amid continued damage to the power grid and extreme cold. This situation has left millions of residents without access to electricity, heating, or water.

The additional funding will be targeted at three key areas: securing gas supplies from abroad to compensate for Ukraine’s limited production and import capacity; carrying out emergency repairs to damaged power stations and vital infrastructure following Russian attacks; and supplying essential energy equipment, including generators, cables, and transformers, produced by Dutch firms to help restore power to affected areas.

Ukrainian media report that the country’s prime minister confirmed the extra funding on social media, stressing that the aid is crucial for repairing infrastructure and providing energy equipment as Ukraine continues to face relentless Russian attacks.