Lyon, February 18, 2026 – The Lyon Metropolis, during its Permanent Commission meeting on February 16, 2026, officially approved a subsidy of 15,000 euros. This financial aid is designated for the Fund for External Action of Local Authorities (FACECO) and aims to provide crucial support to Ukrainian civilian populations, particularly those in Kyiv, who are grappling with a severe humanitarian and energy crisis.
Financial Support via the FACECO Fund
The approved subsidy will be channeled through the Fund for External Action of Local Authorities (FACECO), an initiative managed by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. This fund, under the operational control of the Crisis and Support Centre, plays a vital role in ensuring the transparency and effectiveness of contributions made by French local authorities to international humanitarian efforts.
Donations directed to FACECO are instrumental in bolstering France’s immediate response to the essential needs of affected communities across Ukraine. This includes facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid and providing direct support to various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) actively engaged in relief operations on the ground.
The sum of 15,000 euros will be drawn from the 2026 principal budget of the Metropolis and will be disbursed as a single payment. This one-time allocation is designed to ensure the rapid implementation of relief actions, providing timely assistance to those in urgent need.
Critical Situation in Kyiv Amidst Winter
Since the onset of the conflict on February 24, 2022, Ukrainian territory has been subjected to continuous strikes, frequently targeting civilian infrastructure. According to the communiqué released by the Lyon Metropolis, the city of Kyiv is currently experiencing critical degradation of its heating, electricity, and water supply networks. These disruptions are a direct consequence of targeted attacks on essential energy facilities.
In the harsh winter conditions, where temperatures can plummet to as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius, the international relations department of the city of Kyiv issued an urgent appeal for assistance on January 23, 2026. This plea was directed to several European metropolitan areas, highlighting the dire situation faced by its residents.
The immediate need for emergency equipment, particularly electrical generators, has been identified as a top priority. These generators are crucial for maintaining the operational capacity of healthcare facilities, shelters, and residential buildings, ensuring basic services continue amidst the ongoing crisis.
By responding positively to this urgent call, the Lyon Metropolis demonstrates its commitment to providing fundamental support to civilian populations confronting this emergency situation, underscoring its solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
Source: lyon-entreprises.com
