January 4, 2023

no. 002

On the morning of January 4, Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu signed memorandums of understanding on behalf of the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to assist three Ukrainian cities with the purchase of power generation and heating equipment. The MOUs were signed with Ihor Terekhov, Mayor of Kharkiv; Oleksandr Syenkevych, Mayor of Mykolaiv; and Hanna Hopko, Chair of the ANTS network, a nongovernmental organization designated by the Kherson Regional Military Administration. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) will donate US$2 million to the three cities to procure equipment that will provide relief in the new year to frontline residents hit by a severe winter and the ravages of war.

Kharkiv, the second-largest city in Ukraine, is located only 30 kilometers to the south of the Russian border. As a center of heavy industry, culture, and education, it has been a primary target for Russian attacks since war broke out between the two countries. Mykolaiv and Kherson are situated on the front lines in the southeastern part of Ukraine. Mykolaiv, a main shipbuilding center on the Black Sea coast, was awarded the title “Hero City of Ukraine” by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after its residents courageously repelled Russian troops, ensuring that the country’s access to the sea did not fall under Russian control. Kherson is strategically important as the gateway and vital link to Crimea. The city was reclaimed by Ukrainian troops in November after eight months of Russian military occupation, sparking scenes of jubilation on the streets that were captured and spread across the globe by the media.

More than 300 days have passed since the eruption of the Russia-Ukraine war. Even as the world celebrated the new year, Russia did not suspend military operations, continuing to conduct airstrikes on Ukraine on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. President Zelensky publicly stated that most regions in his country were without power in low temperatures and residents would have to ring in the new year in the bitter cold.

To help Ukrainians through the winter, the government of Taiwan made an emergency donation to Kyiv for the purchase of diesel power generators in December. The first shipment arrived in Kyiv on New Year’s Day and was received by Mayor Vitali Klitschko. The generators will be deployed at critical infrastructure facilities and heating points set up throughout the city to meet residents’ emergency needs. To show solidarity and usher in 2023 with the Ukrainian people as they counter aggression and face a harsh winter, the Taiwan government made additional donations to Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, and Kherson for designated agencies and NGOs to purchase power generation and heating equipment on January 4.

Taiwan and Ukraine share the ideals of freedom and democracy and a strong will to staunchly defend their national sovereignty. Both countries are on the front lines in guarding against authoritarian expansionism. Taiwan is ready to help its partners in times of trouble and will promptly deliver the warmth and care of the Taiwan people and government to Ukraine. Taiwan stands with the Ukrainian people in this time of greatest need. (E)