Minister McEntee approves €25 million contribution to support Ukraine’s energy infrastructure
- Published on: 29 January 2026
- Last updated on: 29 January 2026
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, has today approved €25 million from Ireland to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund (UESF) to provide support for Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure.
This contribution comes at a time when civilians across Ukraine are experiencing extended electricity, heating and water outages due to repeated Russian attacks on energy infrastructure and as winter temperatures plummet below -20°C, with many parts of Ukraine experiencing the harshest winters in many years. Russia’s targeting of critical energy infrastructure during extreme winter conditions is increasing civilian suffering and humanitarian need in Ukraine as many struggle to cook food and stay warm.
Today’s announcement fulfils the commitment made by the Government on the occasion of the visit of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Ireland last December to support the restoration and protection of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
This commitment is set out in the 2030 Roadmap on Ukraine-Ireland Partnership, signed by the Taoiseach, Michael Martin TD, and President Zelenskyy on the occasion of the visit. The Ukraine Energy Support Fund is administered by the Energy Community.
Speaking from Brussels where she is attending a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, Minister McEntee said:
Today we heard from Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha who described the dire situation civilians are in with temperatures set to plummet further to -23 degrees in the coming days. Next month marks the fourth anniversary of Russia’s brutal and illegal invasion of Ukraine. At this moment, Russia is cynically weaponising these extreme winter conditions against the people of Ukraine by systematically degrading Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure. The people of Ukraine now face prolonged and regular electricity, heating and water outages.
Ireland is providing €25 million to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to support Ukraine in restoring light and warmth to people’s homes at a time when they are facing harsh winter conditions. Once again, we call on Russia to stop these attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, added:
The people of Ukraine continue to endure much suffering. These attacks on civilian energy infrastructure have led to people having no heat at a time when Ukraine is facing freezing conditions.
This contribution of €25 million to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund is a significant indication of Ireland’s steadfast support to Ukraine. We are determined to do what we can to alleviate the suffering being inflicted by Russia in the dark and cold of winter. This funding complements Ireland’s existing humanitarian and development contributions to Ukraine. Ireland will continue to support Ukraine as long as is needed while it endures Russia’s continuing war of aggression and also on its road to recovery and reconstruction.
ENDS
29 January 2026