Sweden gives 1.4 billion kroner to Ukraine to support the population ahead of winter.
The money will primarily go to electricity, heating, shelters and healthcare.
– It is the single largest package so far within the framework of our bilateral aid, says Prime Minister Kristersson at a press conference.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) and Development Minister Johan Forssell (M) presented the support package at a press meeting.
– It is a comprehensive winter package, says Kristersson.
– It is a serious situation on the ground. Ukraine is fighting militarily, but it is also fighting economically, the Prime Minister continues.
The SEK 1.4 billion is taken from the aid budget. Of that, SEK 900 million goes to the World Bank’s Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine (URTF). The fund supports Ukraine’s central infrastructure in energy, housing, health and transport.
According to the government, the procurement of equipment for heating and transmission capacity in the Ukrainian electricity grid is central to the civilian population surviving the winter.
The Ukraine issue in the EU
A further SEK 300 million will go to the European Development Bank’s Environment and Energy Fund for Ukraine (E5P), SEK 100 million will be distributed via the UN food programme, SEK 75 million will go to Unesco for the construction of shelters in schools and preschools, and SEK 25 million will be distributed via the Agency for Community Protection and Preparedness ( MSB).
On Thursday, the European Council gathers, when both the EU’s long-term budget is in focus and the question of Ukraine’s start of negotiations on EU membership, as well as new sanctions against Russia.
– There are very extensive issues revolving around Ukraine. It would be a big, big concern, above all for Ukraine, if we do not succeed in agreeing on common positions at that meeting, says Kristersson.