Largest civilian support package for Ukraine announced
Published
Today, 13 March, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa has announced that Sweden will increase development assistance to Ukraine by more than SEK 1.4 billion with the aim of strengthening Ukraine’s resilience and recovery.
“We must strengthen Ukraine’s resilience in every way possible. The Ukrainians are defending both their own freedom and security and ours. This is why today we’re announcing Sweden’s largest civilian support package to date. The new support focuses on the most urgent needs such as energy supply, housing, medical care, mine clearance, safe schooling for children, vocational training for women and support for war veterans. This package will make a real difference for many Ukrainians,” says Mr Dousa.
The support will go to humanitarian assistance and to Ukraine’s reconstruction and development. The package amounts to a total of SEK 1 414 250 000 in 2025, and will be funded through reallocations within the framework of this year’s development assistance budget. Sweden’s total support to Ukraine in 2025 is therefore estimated to amount to SEK 7.8 billion, equivalent to around 14 per cent of this year’s development assistance budget.
“Civil society has a key role at times of war and crisis. Established civil society organisations are often first on the scene in crisis situations, see what’s needed and are on the ground, typically with volunteers. Their contribution is indispensable. We’re now increasing our support to the Ukrainian Red Cross to the tune of SEK 100 million,” says Minister for Social Affairs and Public Health Jakob Forssmed.
“Putin doesn’t just want a military victory over Ukraine, he also wants to impede civilian life. But Russia has to lose the war. That’s why this support is so important; it’s about ensuring victory for Ukraine,” says Joar Forssell, foreign policy spokesperson for the Liberal Party.
“In the current security situation, it’s of the utmost importance that Sweden provides more than purely military support to Ukraine. Broad and robust support for Ukraine is vital for the security of both Sweden and Europe. With this package, we’re broadening our support to Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression,” says Aron Emilsson, foreign policy spokesperson for the Sweden Democrats.
Distribution of support
• SEK 1 billion will be distributed via the EU’s Ukraine Facility to the energy sector, housing and other initiatives that strengthen society’s resilience and contribute to Ukraine’s path to EU membership.
• SEK 100 million to the World Bank’s Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund (URTF) for reconstruction of energy infrastructure, housing, health and medical care and the transport sector. The Fund also provides access to basic public services and support for the private sector.
• SEK 100 million to the Ukrainian Red Cross (via the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies) for initiatives focused on areas such as mental and psychosocial health, support for internally displaced people, and community centres that function as safe places to provide humanitarian assistance.
• SEK 103 million to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), of which SEK 43 million will go to mine clearance and the disposal of unexploded ordinance and SEK 60 million for repairs and improvements to energy infrastructure.
• SEK 48.75 million the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for emergency obstetric and maternal health care, initiatives for sexual and reproductive health and rights; initiatives against sexual and gender-based violence, and training of rescue service personnel, nurses and midwives.
• SEK 22.5 million to UN Women to fight and prevent sexual and gender-based violence, reach vulnerable and marginalised women and girls with humanitarian efforts, and counteract human trafficking for sexual and other purposes. The support also aims to assist civil society organisations that promote women’s livelihood opportunities, especially for internally displaced people.
Support decided by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) included in the package:
• SEK 23 million to non-profit organisation Beredskapslyftet (Sida decision) for vocational training of 700 women as heavy-duty vehicle drivers, operators and mechanics, and help for 100 war veterans to find work. This project is being implemented in collaboration with Swedish companies and private foundations.
•SEK 17 million to charity foundation savED (Sida decision) to enable children and young people in war-torn areas to go to school in person and in safety.
Press contact
Press Secretary to Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa
Phone (switchboard) +46 8 405 10 00
Mobile +46 76 133 67 90
email to Linn Laurin
Press Secretary to Minister for Social Affairs and Public Health
Phone (switchboard) +46 8 405 10 00
Mobile +46 76 127 76 97
email to Simon Hoff
