This is reported by Kyiv24
The Swedish government has decided to allocate additional financial resources to support Ukraine and humanitarian initiatives in various countries around the world. The total amount of the new aid package is 1.67 billion Swedish kronor, which is equivalent to approximately 150 million euros.
Support for Ukraine and Aid Priorities
Sweden’s Minister for Development, Cooperation, and Foreign Trade, Benjamin Dusa, emphasized that human suffering has significantly increased in many regions, particularly in Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza, and Yemen. The worsening humanitarian situation is linked to the reduction of global aid programs from the United States.
“Therefore, Sweden has decided to step forward with a comprehensive redistribution of aid budget priorities for 2025. We are allocating 1.67 billion Swedish kronor (about 150 million euros – ed.) to support Ukraine and efforts to save lives worldwide. Sweden cannot cover the reductions from the U.S., but we must do everything possible to support Ukraine and save lives,” said Dusa.
Changes in the allocation of funding will affect all regions except Ukraine and its neighboring territories. At the same time, there will be a reduction in thematic aid, and the process will be carried out with consideration of existing agreements to avoid disrupting current arrangements.
Changes in Sweden’s International Aid Strategy
Sweden is gradually phasing out its regional cooperation strategy for development in Asia and Oceania, aiming to shift from humanitarian support to deepening trade relations in these regions.
The government emphasizes that the main reason for increasing funding is the need to continue supporting Ukraine, which has “existential importance” for all of Europe. As Benjamin Dusa noted, Ukraine remains a priority in Sweden’s development and foreign policy.
The Swedish authorities also note that to counter Russian aggression, which does not hesitate to attack civilian targets, including playgrounds, hospitals, schools, and residential buildings, enhanced international support is necessary. According to the minister, Ukraine is fighting not only for its independence but also for the freedom of all of Europe.
It is worth recalling that in May, Stockholm already announced a new military aid package for Ukraine amounting to 4.8 billion Swedish kronor, which is about 443 million euros.