Spain has announced the imminent dispatch of seven generators to Ukraine as a sign of support, following a Russian bombing that damaged key electrical facilities affecting millions of people in 15 Ukrainian provinces. The move, which adds to the 14 generators sent by the Spanish government in November 2022, is intended to show unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of what is deemed an unjust invasion. The Spanish Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, emphasized that Spain’s gesture sends a clear message to the Kremlin that its plans to conquer Ukraine and break the will of the Ukrainian people are destined to fail.
The seven generators, purchased for 360,000 euros by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Aecid), will be sent to Ukraine to help alleviate the severe energy shortages resulting from recent attacks on the country’s infrastructure. The equipment will be transported to Poland, on the border with Ukraine, before entering the country to provide energy for hospitals during the winter. The distribution within Ukraine will be determined by Ukrainian authorities based on the energy and winter preparedness plan they are developing. The Ambassador of Ukraine stressed that the attacks on critical infrastructure violate international law, affecting Ukraine’s ability to generate and distribute electricity causing disruptions for millions of people.
The manufacturer of the generators, Finanzauto, stated that the Cat generators are autonomous and independent units designed to provide reliable electricity in various situations, including emergencies or continuous use. With a total power of 1,200,000 W, the seven generators sent by Spain can supply electricity to approximately 240 families under normal conditions. The recent Russian bombings on Ukrainian infrastructure resulted in widespread power outages throughout the country, impacting not only Ukraine but also parts of Moldova, which is connected to Ukraine’s electrical grid.
Since the start of the Russian aggression in February 2022, Ukraine has reportedly lost 70% of its electricity generation capacity due to attacks on its energy infrastructure. The Ukrainian government had planned to resume electricity exports after a period of reduced Russian attacks on its grid, but the recent bombings have disrupted these plans. In response to the attacks, the office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Russia that Ukraine would retaliate by targeting Russia’s own energy infrastructure in response to attempts to destroy Ukraine’s industry.
The Spanish government’s support for Ukraine comes at a critical time when the country is facing severe challenges due to targeted attacks on vital infrastructure. By sending generators to help alleviate energy shortages, Spain aims to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine in the face of what is perceived as an unjust invasion by Russia. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to have far-reaching consequences, not only for the Ukrainian people but also for neighboring countries like Moldova. As Ukraine prepares for the winter months, international assistance and support are crucial for ensuring the well-being of the population and maintaining essential services.
