President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine would need 800 million euros (U.S.$840+ million) to help his country survive the winter amid Russia’s bombing of its civilian infrastructure.
Moscow began airstrikes targeting Ukraine’s energy network in October, plunging millions into cold and darkness.
Zelensky made the request for additional cash donations at an international conference in Paris hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, according to The Hindustantimes.
“Of course it is a very high amount, but the cost is less than the cost of a potential blackout,” Zelensky told the gathering in the French capital via video link. “I hope that decisions will be made accordingly.”
Zelensky said his country needed transformers, equipment to repair damaged high-voltage power lines, and generators and gas turbines.
RELATED: EU to Gift $18 Billion to Ukraine Next Year, the Rest Will Come From U.S
“Because of the destruction of our power plants by terror attacks, we will need to use more gas this winter than expected,” added Zelensky, the AFP report said.
On Monday, Zelensky urged G7 nations to provide “about two billion cubic metres” of additional gas to survive the winter, along with more tanks and missiles to fight the invasion.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal added his call for funds from 70 states and international agencies.
“They (Russians) want to put us into darkness, and it will fail, thanks to our partners all over the world,” he added.
The appeal for funding comes amid past donations of lethal military equipment given to the country.
As The Daily Fetched reported in October, the Biden White House announced another new weapons package worth $275 million for Ukraine, bringing the total cost of military aid to $18.5 billion sent to the country since January 2021.
“Pursuant to a delegation of authority from the President, today I am authorizing our twenty-fourth drawdown of U.S. arms and equipment for Ukraine since August 2021,” Blinken said.
Blinken added that the drawdown would boast weapons from the Pentagon’s own inventories.
“We are also working to provide Ukraine with the air defense capabilities it needs with the two initial U.S.-provided NASAMS ready for delivery to Ukraine next month, and we are working with Allies and partners to enable delivery of their own air defense systems to Ukraine,” he added.
It’s real simple, Z-Man, and so-called Person of the Year. Make your way to the negotiations with Putin and stop this senseless tragedy.