The government decides to provide half a billion kroner to Ukraine for reconstruction and humanitarian support

Sweden has long-term support for Ukraine, which from independence until February of this year amounted to just over four billion kroner. Since the massive illegal Russian invasion on February 24, this support has been multiplied by a series of decisions on an additional 5.2 billion Swedish kronor to date, among other things, military support, humanitarian support, financial guarantees, reform support, civilian efforts and reconstruction support, says Secretary of State Ann Lind.

With today’s decision, Sweden will provide increased support in the upcoming reconstruction process, including the sustainable management of destroyed infrastructure. Sweden will also take charge of coordinating waste management and recycling in Ukraine’s reconstruction, which President Zelensky requested when Prime Minister Magdalena Andersons visited Kyiv in July.

Sweden is also helping to finance the purchase and delivery of wheat from Ukraine to countries where the risk of famine is most acute. This effort aims to support the country’s economy and, consequently, independence, and to support the implementation of the Ukrainian grain export agreement from the Black Sea ports. Sweden is financing the cost of at least 40,000 tons of wheat purchased and transported by sea from Ukraine.

By purchasing and shipping 40,000 tons of wheat, Sweden is contributing to alleviating the massive human suffering exacerbated by Russian aggression for millions of people who are starving in other parts of the world. This reduces the risk of acute starvation. It also boosts Ukraine’s economy and the country’s independence, says Aid Minister Matilda Earnranks.

Ukraine was an important grain exporter before the Russian invasion. Millions of tons of grain are now stuck in Ukraine as a result of the Russian invasion, with dire consequences for the Ukrainian economy and an already severe hunger crisis worldwide. Today, 50 million people in 45 countries are on the brink of famine. In July, an agreement was concluded between Ukraine and Russia on the resumption of grain exports from the Black Sea ports.

Ukrainian wheat is purchased and transported under the auspices of the United Nations, through the United Nations Food Program (WFP), and delivered to countries where the risk of famine is currently greatest, such as Ethiopia, Yemen and Afghanistan. Since the conclusion of the agreement, the United Nations Food Program has delivered Ukrainian grain for humanitarian purposes. With today’s announcement, additional transfers will be possible.