US will provide $125 million for Ukraine to restore power grid after Russian attacks

This is reported by AP with reference to a statement by Samantha Power, head of the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

Samantha Power announced the funding during a meeting with First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska.

USAID plans to use $125 million to purchase backup electricity for Kyiv's water and heating systems. 

The funds will also be used to replenish stocks of gas turbines, transformers, and other necessary power equipment.

The money reportedly comes from additional funding for Ukraine approved by Congress in December 2022.

Since October, the Russian army has stepped up its attacks on Ukraine's electricity and critical infrastructure.

Earlier, USAID delivered 1,415 generators to provide heating and lighting in schools, hospitals, and other locations across Ukraine. The US Agency for International Development also invested $55 million in Ukraine's heating infrastructure.

• Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko met with US Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Geoffrey Pyatt to announce unprecedented financial support for Ukraine's energy sector in 2023.