Australia will provide $20 million to an energy support fund for Ukraine amid pleas for an urgent shipment of coal.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced on Friday a $31 million package for Ukraine’s energy and humanitarian needs.

Funds will be used to provide heat and electricity for Ukrainians as the conflict drags on into the European winter.

The Albanese government has been criticised after a call for help by Kyiv went unanswered for six months.

Ukraine has requested the coal shipment as Russia bombards its power plants with missile and drone strikes.

An extra $10 million of emergency humanitarian aid will go to the United Nations to increase access to essentials including water, food and shelter.

To help rehabilitate and care for people with disabilities and war injuries, an additional $1 million will be provided.

Senator Wong said the government remained unwavering in its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.

“Australia’s $20 million contribution to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund will be used meet the highest priority energy needs and support the Ukrainian people,” she said.

International Development Minister Pat Conroy said Australia was proud to stand with the Ukrainian people.

“The Australian government remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the people of Ukraine and contributing alongside partner nations so that Ukraine can end this conflict on its terms.”

– AAP