Mon Sep 23 22:15:00 UTC 2024: ## Japan to Aid Ukraine’s Energy Needs Ahead of Winter: Zelenskiy

**NEW YORK -** Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced early Tuesday that he had spoken with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida about Japan’s assistance in restoring Ukraine’s energy infrastructure ahead of winter.

Both leaders are in New York City for the UN General Assembly, where Zelenskiy is also slated to present his victory plan to US leadership.

Zelenskiy emphasized the urgent need to repair Ukraine’s energy systems, which have been heavily damaged by Russian shelling. “Restoring our energy supply and preparing for winter are tasks we are actively working on now,” he stated in a Telegram post.

Japan has been a key supporter of Ukraine since the Russian invasion in 2022, providing $4.5 billion in aid this year alone, according to the Japanese foreign ministry. This assistance has included equipment for restoration work and strengthening Ukraine’s power grid to withstand continued Russian strikes.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned that Ukraine’s electricity shortfall could reach a third of expected peak demand due to the attacks and the upcoming expiry of a gas supply contract.

The discussions between Zelenskiy and Kishida highlight the ongoing international effort to support Ukraine in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression and the impending winter months.

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