UK pledges additional $20M to support Ukraine's power grid

This was stated in an announcement on the UK government's official website.

The announcement of the additional funding came amid the first anniversary of the 100-year partnership between the two countries and intensified Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy sector.

"The new support announced today will help respond to urgent needs to keep heat and power available for millions of families, children and the elderly after President Zelenskyy announced a state of emergency in Ukraine following prolonged attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector," the statement reads.

It notes that the funds will be used to provide vital emergency assistance in repairing, restoring, protecting and ensuring energy supply across the country, so that homes, hospitals and schools remain with electricity and heating during harsh winter conditions.

"The people of Ukraine should be in no doubt - we will stand with you today, tomorrow and for the next 100 years, both at home and on the international stage, because what happens in Ukraine matters to us all," stated UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

• On January 14, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that due to the consequences of Russian strikes on energy infrastructure and worsening weather conditions, a state of emergency in the energy sector would be introduced in Ukraine.