Two high-power electrical transformers were formally handed over to Ukraine on Thursday ahead of winter, the latest support provided by Japan to the war-torn country that has seen energy infrastructure destroyed by Russian forces.
A ceremony marking the delivery of the autotransformers via a U.N. Development Program project was held at a power facility in central Ukraine, with Japan vowing to help restore the Eastern European nation's electricity supply to keep people warm.
High-power autotransformers are essential components of power substations, enabling electricity grids to operate efficiently and supply electricity to households and other users, the UNDP said in a press release announcing the delivery.
At the ceremony, Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko welcomed the support, saying autotransformers were among the key targets during massive Russian attacks last winter and replacing such equipment takes time and money.
"Therefore, this assistance from Japan and UNDP is invaluable for us, and stands as a powerful contribution to ensuring Ukraine's energy security as we approach a challenging winter," Galushchenko was quoted as saying.
Tokyo, which has also supplied Ukraine with power generators and heaters since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, plans to provide two more transformers by the end of this year, Japanese Ambassador to Ukraine Kuninori Matsuda said.
According to the UNDP, Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure last winter damaged most of the country's substations, some beyond repair. As a result, Ukraine was hit by widespread power outages, affecting approximately 12 million people.
One of the two autotransfomers provided by Japan is planned to be used at the facility where the ceremony took place. The facility has also been damaged by Russian forces, according to Ukraine's national power company Ukrenergo.
Sandbags were placed around the facility to protect it from further shelling.
Matsuda told reporters after attending the ceremony that assistance to ensure electricity supply is "very important" for Ukrainians to continue their fight against Russia.
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