There may be moments of solution ahead – Let’s help Ukraine through the winter

From the reader. Russia is sowing destruction and human suffering in Ukraine with its war of aggression for the third year. One aspect of supporting Ukraine is often overshadowed in the public debate by vital humanitarian and arms aid.

The need for reconstruction is acute already – not until after peace. Right now this means especially securing the energy supply as the winter heating season approaches.

The energy infrastructure has been hit hard

Russia has accelerated its missile strikes since last spring, and more than 70 percent of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has been destroyed. Fixing it before winter is vital.

Ukraine is increasing its air defense and electricity imports from the EU, but it also urgently needs decentralized and mobile equipment for energy production.

This is also currently being promoted in Finland in the form of a donation campaign for energy production equipment implemented in cooperation between the Ministry of the Interior and business.

Less than two years ago, in an almost similar crisis situation, Finland was the largest donor country in the entire EU.

The coming months can decide the outcome of the war and have a concrete effect on the security of the whole of Europe. Ensuring the energy supply of critical sites, such as municipal engineering, hospitals and schools in particular, is essential.

Ukraine will not be able to continue its defense struggle if the repair construction does not progress and the necessary basic functions of everyday life stop.

It is not only a fight for Ukraine, but a defensive fight for Western democracy as a whole.

The solidarity of Finns and the whole of Europe and concrete help are more important right now than ever. So let’s help Ukraine through the winter.

Jukka Leskelä

CEO, Energiateollisuus ry

Petri Vuorio

director, Finnish Confederation of Business and Industry EK