France Donates 13 Generators to Kharkiv, Bolstering City’s Winter Resilience

July 15, 2024, In a gesture of solidarity amid ongoing challenges, French Ambassador to Ukraine Gaël Veyssière announced the delivery of 13 generators to Kharkiv. This donation aims to ensure the city’s heating networks remain operational during blackouts, critical after devastating attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure earlier this year.

The Russian military’s strikes in spring 2024 severely damaged or destroyed 800 heating facilities across Ukraine, particularly impacting Kharkiv and its surrounding regions. With local power plants struggling to meet demand, the generators provided by France will help sustain essential heating services through the winter months.

Ambassador Veyssière underscored France’s commitment to supporting Ukraine beyond immediate relief efforts. Previously allocating €2 million towards the rehabilitation of Ukrainian schools, he highlighted the initiative’s broader impact on educational infrastructure and opportunities for students.

“Andrii Stashkiv, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, noted that Russian aggression has left more than 200 schools destroyed and 1,600 damaged nationwide,” Veyssière emphasized. “Our assistance not only restores educational facilities but also enhances learning environments for Ukrainian students.”

As Kharkiv continues to rebuild and recover, the French contribution stands as a testament to international cooperation in times of crisis, reaffirming Kharkiv’s significance as a priority in France’s support for Ukraine’s resilience and renewal.