British News Agency

Speaking at the delivery ceremony in Kyiv, Commissioner Lahbib expressed support for Ukraine. She emphasized that the generators and energy assistance sent by the EU are not merely machines, but also sources of “heat, light and hope”: “These hundreds of generators are not just machines. They are sources of heat, light and hope. They are symbols of tangible European solidarity.”

Lahbib stated that Russia has been targeting Ukraine for four years and has been carrying out “energy terror” by striking energy infrastructure during the winter: “At -20 degrees, this is not just a matter of staying warm; it is a matter of survival. Hour by hour, night after night.”

Since 2022, the EU has sent more than 11,000 generators, thousands of transformers and millions of energy-saving lights to Ukraine. With the transfer of a power plant from Lithuania to the country, the largest coordinated operation was carried out to restore electricity distribution.

Lahbib described the determination of Ukrainians with the following words: “Russia wants to force Ukrainians to surrender. But this will not happen. Behind every attack are determined and resilient Ukrainians. No force can destroy that.”

The Commissioner illustrated the concrete impact of EU support by citing the example of 76-year-old Valentyna: “Valentina fled from Donetsk to Kyiv with her husband, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease. Now, thanks to an EU-supported social center, she has her own room and a new circle of friends.”

In her message to Ukrainian children, Lahbib stressed that Europe stands by them: “In difficult times, when you are cold or afraid, remember: 450 million Europeans are with you. We will stand by you until peace comes.”