Russia is trying to destroy Ukraine's critical energy infrastructure and deprive Ukrainians of access to heat and electricity during the coldest time of the year for the second year in a row. The United States is trying to help Ukraine to prevent Russia from achieving its goals and is working on three fronts. At the same time, Congress must approve additional funding for this. John Kirby, coordinator of strategic communications for the White House National Security Council, told journalists on November 30, UNN reports citing Voice of America.
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"Russia tried to break the will of the Ukrainian people, but it certainly failed. As we approach another winter, we expect Russia to return to these brutal tactics," - Kirby said, adding that, in his opinion, the latest missile strikes only confirm these intentions.
The presidents of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the United States Joe Biden discussed preparations for Russian attacks on the energy infrastructure of Ukrainian cities during the visit of the Ukrainian delegation to Washington in September, a White House official recalled.
On the eve of winter, Kirby said, President Biden and White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan instructed the US government to prioritize these efforts. The official explained that the United States is working in three areas. [First
, the United States is strengthening Ukraine's air defense capabilities so that it can shoot down Russian missiles and Iranian drones targeting critical infrastructure. In particular, Kirby noted, in recent aid packages, the United States has provided Ukraine with Patriot batteries, HAWK and Avenger air defense systems to counter unmanned aerial systems, and other critical air defense equipment.
The second area of U.S. assistance is to strengthen Ukraine's critical energy infrastructure, Kirby explains. Thus, the United States has provided protective equipment, including Hesco nets, fittings, and barriers, to protect critical infrastructure. And experts from the U.S. Department of Defense and Department of Energy are advising Ukrainian officials on how to use this equipment most effectively.
And the third vector of efforts, according to Kirby, is backup equipment and supplies provided to Ukraine. These include high-voltage autotransformers, industrial gas generators, and mobile stand-alone equipment that will increase resilience and prevent heat and power losses if Russia strikes, the official said.
"It appears that President Putin intends to prolong this conflict and target the Ukrainian people directly during the coldest months of the year. We can and must do more to ensure that Ukraine is in the best position to protect itself and its critical energy infrastructure through the winter," - emphasized the Strategic Communications Coordinator of the US National Security Council.
According to Kirby, this is a joint effort of the United States and the 50 partner countries that make up the G7 Plus Energy Coordination Group. Together, they supply Ukraine with the necessary energy equipment and supplies, such as generators, substation infrastructure, and other protective equipment.
At the same time, Kirby noted that in order for the United States to continue to provide Ukraine with the air defense, defense equipment, and reserve stockpiles it needs, the U.S. Congress must approve additional funding.
Kirby once again urged Congress to pass a supplemental funding package as soon as possible, which includes assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and spending on the Indo-Pacific region and US border security.
"We did not pull these numbers out of thin air. We need this funding. We continue to urge Congress to pass this supplemental as soon as possible," - Kirby said.
The official also warned that there is almost no "wiggle room" on this issue, and it must be resolved before the end of the year.