Kyiv, 16 February 2023 – The destruction of civilian infrastructure across Ukraine has severely disrupted critical services, including healthcare and energy systems, leaving millions of Ukrainians struggling with blackouts.  Entire communities have no heat, light or water, placing significant pressure on governmental institutions, specifically on local authorities.

To help Ukraine overcome the challenges caused by half its energy infrastructure being destroyed, the Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) procured 1,000 new power stations and is providing them to local communities across Ukraine. Thirty eight stations have been passed to representatives of the city, village and settlement councils of Kyiv Oblast at an official handover ceremony. The remaining stations will soon be delivered to local communities across the country.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Iijima Yasumasa, Minister-Counsellor of the Embassy of Japan in Ukraine, said the relentless attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure are leading to a major energy crisis in the country with repeated cuts and power outages. “When large-scale power outages occur frequently throughout Ukraine, 1,000 power banks is extremely useful for maintaining everyday life of Ukrainian citizens as normally as possible. Together with the G7 countries and the international community, Japan, as this year's G7 chair country, continue to provide support and assistance to the people of Ukraine. I hope that the assistance provided by the Government of Japan through UNDP will contribute greatly to the reconstruction of Ukraine and to the people of Ukraine.”

Christophoros Politis, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Ukraine, said UNDP is supporting the Government of Ukraine’s constant efforts to restore the country's energy infrastructure. He said the organization is also providing alternative energy sources like power banks to local governments so they can keep the lights on and public services operating. “Through a strategic partnership with the Government of Ukraine and with the generous support of the Government of Japan, UNDP is providing immediate support to address winterization priorities,” he said. “We are also helping to rehabilitate the energy infrastructure to make it more resilient, sustainable and inclusive."

At the hand-over ceremony, Mykola Boyko, Deputy Head of Kyiv State  Military Administration, said there is an urgent need for alternative energy sources, especially in areas strongly affected by war. “These become critical during emergencies, allowing citizens to charge their devices, and use them when needed,” he said. “We greatly appreciate the support of the international community, particularly from the Japanese Government and UNDP. We express our gratitude for the received power stations and hope for further collaboration.”

Vitalii Bielobrov from the Kherson Regional Civil-Military Administration said it was very important for them to feel the international community’s support during this difficult period. “We greatly appreciate this sense of partnership and are grateful for the equipment provided to help us always stay connected!”

Background: The Government of Japan is one of UNDP’s most prominent partners in Ukraine, and recently contributed US$95 million to support relief and renovation efforts. UNDP is implementing Japan’s Emergency Grant Project for Debris Removal and Mine Action and Japan’s Supplementary Budget Project for the promotion of human security to support comprehensive efforts that respond to the multidimensional crisis caused by the war.

On behalf of the UN system, UNDP, jointly with the World Bank, is leading a comprehensive assessment of damage to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. It will determine urgent repair and restoration needs and provide an opportunity to boost energy security through clean, affordable, and renewable energies

Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org