Norway announced on Sunday that it will provide 1.1 billion kroner ($103 million) to Ukraine.
This financial aid aims to assist in repairing the country’s energy infrastructure and ensuring a stable electricity supply before the upcoming winter.
Recognizing Ukraine’s Resilience
“Russia is conducting massive and systematic attacks to paralyze the power grid, but Ukrainians are working day and night to maintain the essential supply of electricity to the population,” acknowledged Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in a statement.
According to recent estimates by the Ukrainian government, Russian bombings on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have halved the country’s electricity production since last winter.
Prioritizing Ukrainian Expertise
“We are in close discussions with Ukraine on how to most effectively use these funds. “The Ukrainians themselves are best placed to know what is needed,” stated Støre, emphasizing the importance of initiating infrastructure repairs before winter arrives.
Norway has already allocated over $11 million for repairs in the Kharkiv region, a region recent Russian attacks have severely affected.
The statement released during Støre’s visit to Switzerland for the first Ukraine Peace Summit confirms that authorities will install solar panels in seven maternity hospitals and operating theaters in the region.
Continued Support for Ukraine
In 2022, Norway provided 2.1 billion kroner ($197 million) for the Ukrainian energy sector, followed by 1.9 billion kroner ($178 million) in 2023.
Additionally, Norway has pledged 75 billion kroner (approximately $7 billion at the current exchange rate) for military and civilian aid over the 2023-2027 period. These funds come on an annual basis, according to Ukraine’s needs.
This latest commitment from Norway demonstrates its ongoing support for Ukraine’s resilience and recovery in the face of ongoing conflict.
The financial aid will be instrumental in repairing critical energy infrastructure, ensuring access to electricity for Ukrainian citizens, and bolstering the country’s ability to withstand future challenges.