Sweden provides aid package for Ukrainian power supply sector
MOSCOW. Oct 28 (Interfax) - The Swedish government has decided to provide 110 million Swedish kronor (SEK 110 million, an equivalent of $10.4 million) in a new humanitarian support package for Ukraine to be used to meet growing needs ahead of the winter period, Ukrainian media have reported with reference to a statement on the Swedish government website.
"The government has decided to provide a new humanitarian support package of SEK 110 million for a number of humanitarian organizations in Ukraine," Swedish Minister for International Development and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa said.
The humanitarian package has been divided among four organizations. The Ukrainian Red Cross has received SEK 50 million to be spent, in particular, on providing guaranteed access to heat and electricity and distributing food, hygiene products, medicines, and water.
The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has been awarded SEK 20 million to help internally displaced persons prepare for and receive protection ahead of and during the coming winter.
The UN Development Program (UNDP) has received SEK 30 million for demining efforts.
The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has been awarded another SEK 10 million to contribute to addressing women's sexual and reproductive health needs, preventing sexual and gender-based violence, and providing support to its victims in Ukraine.
On October 17, the Nordic and Baltic countries provided a new support package for Ukraine to repair damaged power equipment. Sweden's contribution amounted to SEK 320 million ($30 million).
"This support package is important for sustaining the Ukrainian power sector and helps keep Ukrainian society running and Ukrainian homes warm," Dousa said.
According to the Swedish government, Sweden has provided a total of SEK 57.4 billion ($5.4 billion) in support for Ukraine since February 2022. Considering the latest support packages, Sweden's total contribution will top SEK 57.8 billion.
In 2024 alone, the Swedish government decided to allocate SEK 1.8 billion in additional support for the Ukrainian power sector. Following the two support packages in October, this amount has now exceeded SEK 2.2 billion (over $210 million).