Sweden Allocates New Humanitarian Aid Package to Ukraine: How the Funds Will Be Used.

The Swedish Government Allocates 110 Million Kronor in Humanitarian Aid to Ukraine

The Swedish government has decided to allocate a new humanitarian aid package to Ukraine amounting to 110 million kronor in light of the ongoing full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, which continues to have devastating consequences both militarily and humanitarily.

"Russia is targeting civilian infrastructure and has disabled a significant part of the heating and electricity systems in Ukraine. This, of course, has serious consequences as the cold weather sets in. A large portion of the population is struggling to heat their homes and cook food. Therefore, the government has decided to provide 110 million kronor to several humanitarian organizations in Ukraine," stated Minister of Aid and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa.

According to the minister, Swedish aid will also go towards demining, which unfortunately will remain an urgent problem for a long time.

"A harsh winter is ahead, in conditions where Russian bombings have destroyed a significant part of the critical infrastructure. Now we are helping the Ukrainian civilian population with what we in Sweden take for granted: warmth, water, sanitation, and medicine, so they can survive the winter," said Gudrun Brunegård, spokesperson on aid issues from the Christian Democratic Party.

"To ensure Russia loses and Ukraine wins the war, it is necessary to increase aid both for Ukraine's infrastructure and to support the Ukrainian people. I am proud that we are doing even more to help especially women, who have been most affected by the war," stated Joar Forssell, spokesperson on foreign policy from the Liberal Party.

The humanitarian package will be distributed among four organizations:

• The Ukrainian Red Cross will receive 50 million kronor. The government will support the Ukrainian Red Cross's activities in meeting humanitarian needs ahead of winter. The aid focuses particularly on providing access to heating and electricity, distributing food, hygiene products, medicines, and water.
• The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will receive 20 million kronor. Sweden supports Ukrainian refugees at several general levels and will now also facilitate UNHCR's work in assisting internally displaced persons in terms of readiness and protection before and during the upcoming winter.
• The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will receive 30 million kronor. The situation with anti-personnel mines and unexploded ordnance remains challenging across vast areas of Ukraine. UNDP manages the UN's support in demining in Ukraine. The organization's work, focused on mapping, prioritization, and securing agricultural lands, will require implementation over many years.
• The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) will receive 10 million kronor. The fund's humanitarian activities in Ukraine contribute to meeting the reproductive health needs of women and providing support to those subjected to violence. UNFPA also supports the restoration and strengthening of the healthcare system.