The European Commission has successfully relocated a full thermal power plant from Lithuania to Ukraine, marking its largest coordinated logistical operation to date. This move restores critical energy capacity and strengthens Ukraine’s national grid after extensive damage caused by sustained Russian attacks. The thermal plant is capable of supplying power to approximately one million Ukrainians and has been crucial in completing emergency repairs across heavily affected regions.
The complex operation spanned 11 months and involved 149 shipments totaling 2,399 tonnes of equipment. Among these, 40 were oversized shipments, including exceptionally heavy transformers and stators weighing around 172 tonnes each. The Polish Governmental Agency for Strategic Reserves played a key role in facilitating the transport of these critical components.
This delivery is part of the EU’s broader support for Ukraine’s energy sector in response to Russia’s aggression since February 2022. Coordinated through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), EU assistance has so far helped meet the energy needs of around nine million people, including the delivery of 9,500 power generators and 7,200 transformers. In total, the Commission has allocated over €1.2 billion for humanitarian aid and delivered more than 160,000 tonnes of relief supplies.
All 27 EU member states, along with six participating countries—Norway, Türkiye, North Macedonia, Iceland, Serbia, and Moldova—have contributed in-kind assistance through the UCPM. The EU has also coordinated medical evacuations for over 4,700 Ukrainian patients to hospitals in 22 countries for specialized treatment.
The EU Civil Protection Mechanism enables national authorities to request coordinated assistance during emergencies, with support managed through the Emergency Response Coordination Centre. This hub monitors crises globally and ensures rapid deployment of emergency resources, including relief items, expertise, civil protection teams, and specialized equipment.
Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management and Equality, Hadja Lahbib, highlighted the operation as a demonstration of European solidarity. She praised the efforts of Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and all partners involved, emphasizing that the power plant delivery ensures light and heat for one million Ukrainians facing the ongoing impacts of Russia’s war.
