Norway has allocated EUR 235 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine and now is setting aside an additional EUR 143 million in civilian support for the Ukrainian government administration.
Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre informed President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky of the new funding allocation at a meeting in Helsinki, Finland on Wednesday, Ukrinform reports with reference to the Government of Norway.
The funds will be used to repair and maintain civilian infrastructure to provide Ukrainians with access to electricity and water, among other things.
As noted, the funds are being allocated under the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine. Earlier this year, EUR 168 million was set aside to maintain critical services of this type.
“We are in close dialogue with the authorities in Ukraine to ensure that aid reaches those who are most in need. Russia’s war of aggression is causing inconceivable suffering and wide-scale destruction every single day. Our support will help to alleviate the situation of the Ukrainian people, who have endured so much,” said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
It is underscored that Norway has made a commitment to provide Ukraine with EUR 1.2 billion every year over the next five years, for a total amount of EUR 6.3 billion in the period from 2023 to 2027.
This year, half of the funds provided under the support programme will be in the form of military support, and the other half as humanitarian aid and civilian support.
“From the outset, the Nordic countries have supported Ukraine’s fight for independence and freedom. So far, the Nordic countries combined have contributed EUR 4.4 billion in military support. This includes tanks, armoured vehicles, anti-aircraft systems, artillery and training of Ukrainian soldiers,’ said Mr Støre.