USAID donates 105 generators to Ukrzaliznytsia to ensure uninterrupted passenger and freight traffic

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has delivered 105 diesel generators worth USD 2.7 million to Ukrzaliznytsia. The transfer of these generators is part of a joint effort by the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development, Ukrzaliznytsia and American partners to prepare Ukraine’s transport network for the winter and possible power supply difficulties during this period.

The delivery of the generators was announced today by Oleksandr Kubrakov, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine – Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development, Yevhen Liashchenko, Chairman of the Board of Ukrzaliznytsia, and Bridget Brink, Ambassador of the United States to Ukraine.

“Ukraine’s rail network is one of the most extensive in Europe, with more than 20,000 kilometres of track, 45% of which is electrified. The generators provided by USAID through the Energy Security Project will be installed at key stations along the main passenger and freight train routes. They will help Ukrzaliznytsia prepare for the winter, provide backup power for traction substations, railway automation and telecommunications equipment, and maintain uninterrupted operational and technological communication with neighbouring distribution system operators,” said Oleksandr Kubrakov.

The transferred generators are expected to provide backup power supply for more than 100,000 consumers and facilitate the uninterrupted transportation of passengers and goods within Ukraine.

According to Bridget Brink, since the beginning of russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, the United States has been supporting Ukraine to ensure the uninterrupted operation of critical infrastructure, including Ukrzaliznytsia. The U.S. Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, has provided Ukrzaliznytsia with one hundred generators, part of more than 3,300 generators provided to Ukraine since the beginning of russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. These generators will strengthen Ukrzaliznytsia’s energy resilience by providing backup power to more than 100,000 customers and facilitating the uninterrupted transportation of passengers and goods within Ukraine. The U.S. Government continues to support Ukraine in ensuring that its brave people have all the resources they need to build a peaceful, secure and stable future.

The generators provided by USAID to Ukrzaliznytsia will enable the uninterrupted movement of passengers and cargo to and from Ukraine, which is critical to strengthening the country’s economy.

“This winter has shown that we must be ready for any challenge. Not only to ensure the smooth operation of Ukrzaliznytsia, but also to perform a social function for our people. Despite the constant shelling, not a single train was cancelled, and our stations became real ‘fortresses of invincibility’, where there was always light and warmth. We have received and continue to receive tremendous help from our partners. In particular, I would like to thank the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine, who continue to work together to meet the needs of the Ukrainian railways in equipment needed to ensure the stable operation of critical infrastructure facilities, power supply for distribution system stations, and train safety. The next batch of industrial generators will be used at such facilities in Kharkiv, Dnipro, Odesa, Kyiv, and Lviv regions,” said Yevhen Liashchenko.

USAID and Ukrzaliznytsia will continue to cooperate to meet the needs of the Ukrainian railways to ensure the stable operation of critical infrastructure facilities, power supply for distribution system stations, and rail traffic safety.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is the U.S. Government’s leading development agency. USAID has been working with Ukraine since 1992, helping Ukraine build its capacity to resist russian aggression and advance its democratic and economic development.

Since February 24, 2022, when russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine began, USAID has provided USD 16.75 billion in direct budget support, USD 1.4 billion in humanitarian assistance, and more than USD 1 billion in development assistance.