European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Ukraine on Friday with a mission to help the country rebuild and strengthen its war-damaged electricity grid and improve its heating capacity as winter approaches.

The conflict with Russia has left nearly half of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure destroyed, resulting in frequent electricity blackouts lasting up to four hours in some regions. Von der Leyen likened the situation to the entire populations of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia losing power.

With winter looming, the urgency to address the energy crisis is paramount. Von der Leyen emphasized the need to support Ukraine in overcoming these challenges and mitigating Russia’s attacks on its energy infrastructure.

One key strategy is to decentralize Ukraine’s power grid, reducing dependence on centralized power stations that are susceptible to Russian attacks. The recent destruction caused by missile strikes underscores the vulnerability of these targets.

The EU has already provided Ukraine with over 10,000 generators and transformers, as well as mobile gas turbines that are more resilient to attacks and easier to repair. The goal is to help Ukraine meet at least 25% of its estimated 17 gigawatts power demand for the upcoming winter season.

In addition to energy assistance, the EU is offering support to incentivize people to remain in Ukraine, as millions have fled since the conflict began. Efforts include short-term aid for housing, employment, and education, aiming to stabilize the population within the country.

To fortify Ukraine’s energy network further, the EU announced an additional 160 million euros in funding, derived partly from frozen Russian assets. This move emphasizes holding Russia financially accountable for the damages caused by the conflict.

Von der Leyen and President Zelenskyy will also address economic recovery and Ukraine’s aspirations to join the EU, demonstrating a broader commitment to the country’s long-term stability and integration.