Sweden to provide some 32.5 mln euros in humanitarian support to Ukraine

MOSCOW. June 27 (Interfax) - The Swedish government has approved a package of humanitarian and recovery assistance to Ukraine.

"The SEK 380 million [around 32.5 million euros] in support is aimed at the most urgent needs and emphasizes the important role of civil society organizations," Ukrainian media quoted the Swedish government's press service as saying in a statement.

Ukraine's humanitarian aid needs are enormous, it said.

"Sweden's support helps our partners work on the ground and take short- and long-term measures where the needs are greatest. This substantial new humanitarian package will be very beneficial for Ukraine," Sweden's Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Johan Forssell said.

The Swedish government also supports the activities of the Ukrainian Red Cross and other civil society organizations, the press service said.

Sweden's government supports the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross to provide healthcare and medicines, water and sanitation, and protection in inaccessible areas.

"Support to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) also makes it possible to rebuild energy infrastructure and acquire equipment to maintain critical electricity supply. The government will also provide support to Eurocontrol's efforts to maintain a functioning air traffic control system," it said.

The new allocations come in addition to the humanitarian assistance endorsed for Ukraine for 2023. Since February 2022, Sweden has contributed SEK 1.9 billion (some 152.6 million euros) in humanitarian assistance, SEK 750 million (around 64 million euros) for recovery and further development, and SEK 316 million (around 27 million euros) for reform support.