Sweden allocates 1 billion kronor to Ukraine to support its energy system
On 5 February, the Swedish government decided to provide Ukraine with energy assistance worth 1 billion Swedish kronor, equivalent to 111.11 million US dollars. The funds will be used to support the Ukrainian energy system, which has suffered significant damage as a result of Russian strikes. This was reported by the Sweden Herald, citing a government statement.
Swedish Minister for Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa noted that in just one month, Russia had disabled about 20 per cent of Ukraine's energy production. According to him, the situation remains extremely tense, especially in the context of severe frosts that have engulfed Kyiv and other large cities.
Hospitals, schools and social infrastructure are under serious pressure due to interruptions in electricity and heat supply. Children and young people in some regions are forced to study in cold rooms or are unable to attend classes at all.
The announced billion kronor is the first part of the ten billion that Sweden plans to allocate to support Ukraine this year. The funding will be provided through the Energy Support Fund for Ukraine, with the participation of the United Nations Development Programme.
The funds will be used to purchase and repair energy equipment, including power plants, heaters and spare parts to restore damaged facilities. The Swedish government has emphasised that this aid should help Ukraine get through the difficult winter period and mitigate the effects of attacks on critical infrastructure.