Government announces SEK 15.4 million in support to democracy and cultural heritage preservation in Ukraine

“As democratic institutions and public services are put under pressure by Russia’s invasion, our support to Ukraine is not just about urgent challenges – it is also about strengthening Ukraine’s long-term resilience and conditions for continued democratic development. Protecting and developing Ukraine’s cultural heritage is a key part of this. Russia is attempting to undermine Ukraine’s national identity through the destruction of buildings and monuments of cultural and historical value, and it is important that we help Ukraine to withstand this,” says Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa.

“Sweden’s support to Ukraine is about safeguarding stability and security in our neighbourhood. By strengthening democratic institutions and helping to protect Ukraine’s cultural heritage from destruction by Russia, we are not only defending a country’s sovereignty, but also defending the values that are fundamental to the future of Europe. It is particularly important that Sweden makes efforts to rebuild and preserve Gammalsvenskby, [a Ukrainian village with Swedish roots], which has a special historical significance for Swedish-Ukrainian relations,” says Aron Emilsson, foreign policy spokesperson for the Sweden Democrats.

“Ukraine needs support for its efforts to strengthen democracy, maintain its cultural heritage and safeguard its own identity. All this is a target for Russia’s brutal war of aggression. By supporting democratic institutions, documenting war crimes and helping to protect Ukraine’s cultural heritage, Sweden is helping Ukraine to hold onto what makes the country a free and independent country,” says Fredrik Malm, foreign policy spokesperson for the Liberal Party. 

Russia’s war against Ukraine continues to complicate conditions for the country’s democratic development. The strain on public services and institutions is extensive.

Russia is attacking Ukraine on a daily basis, not only on the battlefield and through attacks on civilian targets, but also through different types of hybrid actions such as disinformation and cyberattacks. When public institutions and local self-governance are put under pressure, opportunities to maintain transparency, accountability and the rule of law are undermined. It also affects trust in society and prerequisites for inclusive and open public debate. 

Functioning democratic processes are a key issue for the future of Ukraine, but are also a European concern. It is therefore crucial to strengthen democratic institutions and processes. Through targeted initiatives to public administration, the judicial system, civil society and free media, Sweden’s support contributes towards maintaining basic democratic functions even during the war. 

It is in this context that the Government is therefore now strengthening support to Ukraine through four initiatives totalling SEK 15.4 million in 2026–2028, of which SEK 8.7 million is in 2026. The Government is thereby further building on Sweden’s long-term work to contribute to the strengthening of Ukraine’s resilience and democratic development.