Despite a recent corruption scandal in Ukraine's shattered energy industry, Germany announced on Thursday that it would donate an additional 100 million euros ($117 million) to bolster energy infrastructure there.
The cash will be granted by Germany's KfW Development Bank and contributed to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, according to a statement from the economy ministry.
The additional funding will increase Germany's overall commitment to the fund to 550 million euros by the end of 2025, according to the ministry.
Ukrainians are bracing for one of the harshest winters since the war began, thanks to Moscow's extensive bombing campaign against electricity infrastructure.
However, efforts to improve energy infrastructure have been hindered by a November investigation that uncovered widespread corruption in the sector.
President Volodymyr Zelensky forced two ministers to quit over the corruption plan and sanctioned a former business associate identified as the mastermind.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged Ukraine to "energetically advance anti-corruption measures" despite the incident.
The economy ministry stated on Thursday that "against the backdrop of recent investigations by Ukrainian anti-corruption authorities", the KfW will "continue to strictly monitor compliance with its regulations".
"Russia is consistently and deliberately attacking Ukraine's energy infrastructure in order to turn winter into yet another weapon," Economy Minister Katherina Reiche stated.
"We will not leave the Ukrainian people alone. Protecting energy supply entails protecting people, which is what this is all about.
Germany has been Ukraine's largest financial supporter in Europe since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, and has pledged to pay Kyiv with 11.5 billion euros in military aid by 2026.
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