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Ireland Boosts Ukraine’s Energy Recovery With $27 Million Contribution Amid Russian Strikes

3 min read
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Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko
Dariia Mykhailenko
News Writer
An employee stokes a fire in a barrel at a power plant of Ukrainian energy provider DTEK, which was heavily damaged during air attacks, at an undisclosed location on January 23, 2026. (Photo: Getty Images)
An employee stokes a fire in a barrel at a power plant of Ukrainian energy provider DTEK, which was heavily damaged during air attacks, at an undisclosed location on January 23, 2026. (Photo: Getty Images)

Ireland has committed around $27 million to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to assist in restoring and protecting Ukraine's vital energy infrastructure, which has been severely damaged by ongoing Russian attacks.

The announcement, made by Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee on January 29, comes when Ukrainians are experiencing extended electricity, heating, and water outages due to repeated assaults on their energy grid, compounded by plummeting winter temperatures.

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“The people of Ukraine now face prolonged and regular electricity, heating, and water outages,” Minister McEntee said from Brussels, where she is attending a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council. She added, “Russia is cynically weaponizing these extreme winter conditions against the people of Ukraine by systematically degrading Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure.”

The harsh winter conditions, with temperatures falling below -20°C, have made daily life unbearable for many Ukrainians, particularly as Russia continues to target infrastructure, causing significant suffering and increasing humanitarian need. The minister’s statement also highlighted that, despite these extreme challenges, the Irish government is standing firmly by Ukraine.

Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond, also stressed Ireland's ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine.

“These attacks on civilian energy infrastructure have led to people having no heat at a time when Ukraine is facing freezing conditions,” he said. “This €25 million ($27 million) contribution is a significant indication of Ireland’s steadfast support to Ukraine, and it complements our existing humanitarian and development contributions.”

Just a day earlier, Ukraine received donation of 75 electric generators from Angolan businessman Bento Adriano Mendes, director of BAM-86, Comércio e Serviços (LDA), to support the country’s energy resilience.

According to the Ukrainian Embassy, these generators will be distributed to residents in the Kyiv region and Ukrainian soldiers, providing crucial backup power in the wake of Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

This contribution comes at a critical time as Russian missile and drone strikes have left large parts of Kyiv without electricity, heating, and water during freezing temperatures. As emergency power outages stretch into days, residents have been forced to find makeshift solutions to survive.

“Russia’s continued assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has left many civilians in dire conditions,” said the Ukrainian Embassy. "This donation will play a key role in helping both civilians and the military stay resilient during these difficult times.”

Bento Adriano Mendes’ donation will strengthen Ukraine's energy resilience as the country fights back against Russia’s weaponization of winter in its efforts to disrupt daily life and demoralize the population.

Previously, following an order from President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan delivered another batch of energy aid to Ukraine.

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