All Ukraine wants for Christmas is Aussie coal

Ukraine's Christmas wish is for Australia to up the 70,000 tonnes of donated coal as Russia targets the nation's energy infrastructure, dooming millions to a freezing winter.

Temperatures in Ukraine are already below freezing and could continue into March. Electricity is being rationed through scheduled blackouts as Russia ramps up its attacks.

Around half of the nation's energy grid is crippled and whilst Australian philanthropist Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest has pledged $A743 million to support green infrastructure investment, the imminent winter is a pressing concern for over 44 million Ukrainians. Around 10 million are estimated to be without power at present.

Kyiv's envoy to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko is asking Australia to have coal ships loaded before Christmas to help Ukrainians make it through the winter with electricity and running water.

A shipment of coal takes around six to eight weeks to reach Ukraine, before being carted by train.