Kyiv, Ukraine – In a significant show of international cooperation, Japan has formally handed over two high-power electrical transformers to Ukraine, offering essential support ahead of the harsh winter months. This contribution comes as part of Japan's ongoing efforts to aid the war-torn nation, where energy infrastructure has been severely damaged by Russian forces.

A special ceremony commemorating the delivery of these autotransformers, facilitated through a U.N. Development Program project, took place at a power facility in central Ukraine. Japan has pledged to assist in restoring Ukraine's electricity supply, providing much-needed relief to its citizens.

Autotransformers play a pivotal role in the efficient operation of power substations, ensuring the uninterrupted supply of electricity to homes and businesses, according to a press release by the UNDP.

Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing the significance of autotransformers. He noted that these devices had been prime targets during massive Russian attacks the previous winter. Replacing such equipment is a time-consuming and costly endeavor, making Japan's and UNDP's assistance invaluable as Ukraine prepares to face another challenging winter.

Japanese Ambassador to Ukraine Kuninori Matsuda announced that Japan intends to provide two more transformers by the end of this year. This additional support follows Japan's earlier contributions, including power generators and heaters, since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

According to the UNDP, Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure last winter resulted in severe damage to most of the country's substations, some of which were beyond repair. These attacks led to widespread power outages, affecting approximately 12 million people.

One of the two autotransformers supplied by Japan will be deployed at the facility where the ceremony took place, despite it having suffered damage from Russian forces, according to Ukraine's national power company, Ukrenergo. To safeguard the facility from further shelling, sandbags have been placed around it.

Ambassador Matsuda, after attending the ceremony, emphasized the importance of ensuring a stable electricity supply for Ukrainians as they continue their resilience in the face of the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Source: thejapantimes.com