Germany releases extra $221M for Ukraine winter aid

Germany is releasing an additional €200 million ($221 million) in winter assistance for Ukraine to help maintain energy, heat and water supplies, Berlin announced on Friday.

The funds, cleared by the parliament’s budget committee, come as Kyiv reports intensified Russian strikes on energy plants and water systems, affecting millions of civilians.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul accused Russian President Vladimir Putin in a statement of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure to force Ukraine to capitulate.

“Russia’s targeted attacks on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure allow only one conclusion: instead of finally betting on serious negotiations, Moscow thinks the winter cold is on its side,” he said. “This calculation will fail, because Putin continues to underestimate the resilience of Ukraine and its partners.”

Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan said Berlin would continue to support Ukrainian authorities in protecting civilian infrastructure, restore damaged energy and water supplies and develop alternatives.

“Our support is a sign of solidarity, but also a contribution to security in Europe – and it helps ensure that Ukrainians can continue to live in their country,” she said. “This war and this suffering must end. An energy ceasefire would be a first step.”

Germany is one of the biggest donors to Ukraine since the Russia-Ukraine war began in 2022. German government figures show that Berlin has provided or earmarked more than €45.7 billion ($50.5 billion) in civilian aid and about €57.8 billion ($63.9 billion) in military support, bringing the combined total to nearly €103.5 billion ($114.5 billion). The civilian amount includes assistance for Ukrainians living in Germany, while the military figure covers both aid already delivered and commitments for future years.