International
Borrell: West Must Act to Stop Russian Blackout in Ukraine
Russia is intensifying its efforts to cripple Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as winter approaches, aiming to plunge the country into darkness and cold, according to the EU’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell.
On Monday, he called for increased Western support to bolster Ukraine’s air defenses.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has faced relentless attacks on its energy system, resulting in widespread power outages.
The situation has worsened recently as the country braces for the harsh winter months ahead.
The International Energy Agency warned in a recent report that Ukraine could face an electricity shortfall of up to 6 gigawatts this winter, representing about a third of the country’s peak demand.
“It’s clear that Russia wants to put Ukraine into the dark and the cold. The winter is coming, and following Russia’s attacks against energy targets, Ukraine’s energy production capacity has been reduced by two-thirds,” Borrell stated during a press conference in New York.
His comments followed meetings between European Union and G7 foreign ministers with Ukrainian officials, including Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, to discuss strategies for supporting Ukraine in the critical weeks ahead.
“We have to support Ukraine not only by providing military capacity but also by ensuring electricity production capacity. Otherwise, this country will be facing a very hard time in winter,” Borrell emphasized.
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Last week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a loan of up to 35 billion euros ($39 billion) to support Ukraine’s economy and military.
She stressed that the funds are crucial for helping Ukraine defend itself against Russian attacks and survive the winter.
“Both things have to be done at the same time,” Borrell noted. “It doesn’t make sense to provide an electricity generator today if it has to be destroyed tomorrow.”
Borrell also highlighted concerns about Russia receiving new weapons, particularly from Iran.
“It’s clear that Russia has been receiving new arms, in particular missiles from Iran,” he said. “This is what we believe, even if Iranians deny it, but it looks like it.”
Tehran and Moscow have denied reports of Iran supplying ballistic missiles to Russia.
Western leaders are also eagerly anticipating President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s address at the UN General Assembly, where he plans to present a “Victory Plan.”
“Ukraine has to improve the military situation in order to go to the peace negotiations in a good way, in a position of strength,” Borrell explained.
“The Victory Plan is about how to conduct a war. The Peace Plan is about how to get peace,” he concluded.
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