December 7, 2022
No. 370
Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on behalf of the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) on the afternoon of December 7 to assist the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv in purchasing power generation equipment. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will donate US$1 million for Kyiv to procure emergency power generation equipment, including diesel and gasoline generators, to help the more than three million Kyiv residents suffering from electricity shortages survive the severe winter. The MOU was jointly signed by Minister Wu; Vitali Klitschko, Mayor of Kyiv; and Grygorii Malenko, Executive Director of the charitable fund Darnychany.
The Ukraine-Russia war is entering its tenth month and the Ukrainian people are still resisting bravely. With the conflict at a stalemate, the Russian army has continued to target infrastructure and power plants across the country over the past few weeks. The capital city of Kyiv has been hit by days of Russian airstrikes, causing large-scale power outages.
The average winter temperature in Kyiv is around zero degrees Celsius, with temperatures falling further after nightfall. In response, the Kyiv city government has implemented rolling blackouts and set up 1,000 heated shelters for residents in case of emergency.
In recent days, snow has started to fall in the Kyiv area, making the lack of electricity and heating more pressing problems. To help the Kyiv city government alleviate its power supply issues, the government of Taiwan will provide emergency funds for Kyiv to purchase power generation equipment. Taiwan will also donate humanitarian relief supplies, including scarves, gloves, winter clothing, blankets, and rations to convey the warmth of the people and government of Taiwan to the Ukrainian people and help them through the harsh winter.
Taiwan and Ukraine share the strong will and firm desire to staunchly defend their national sovereignty. Both countries are on the front lines in guarding against authoritarian expansionism. Taiwan is ready to help its partners in times of trouble and will promptly deliver the warmth and caring of the Taiwan people and government to Ukraine. Taiwan stands with the Ukrainian people in their time of greatest need. (E)