Civilian support to Ukraine

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Sweden’s civil support has been scaled up. Sweden’s civil support since February 2022 is primarily financed by development assistance funding and currently totals around SEK 27 billion, including humanitarian assistance (to date 2 July 2026). Sweden has made a long-term commitment regarding development assistance-financed civil support to Ukraine for at least SEK 10 billion per year 2026–2027 and at least SEK 10.5 billion in 2028, in accordance with the Government’s Budget Bill for 2026 that was approved by the Riksdag in December 2025.

Strategy for Sweden’s reconstruction and reform cooperation with Ukraine

Assistance to Ukraine is governed partly through Sweden’s Strategy for reconstruction and reform cooperation with Ukraine 2023–2027. The Strategy encompasses SEK 9 billion and is thereby Sweden’s largest bilaterial development assistance strategy so far. 

Strategy for Sweden’s reconstruction and reform cooperation with Ukraine 2023–2027

The Strategy aims to provide robust and long-term support to Ukraine’s reconstruction and reform efforts. 

Initiatives within the strategy framework contribute to Ukraine’s EU integration, its democratic and economic outlook and to the country’s resilience against Russia’s aggression.

The Strategy is implemented by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the Swedish Institute (SI) and Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA).

Humanitarian support

Sweden provides humanitarian support to reduce suffering and save lives. Support includes initiatives conducted via the UN system and International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Humanitarian support is conducted in close partnership with Ukrainian organisations that supply the Ukrainian people with necessities. This includes food support in communities near the front line; accommodation for those forcibly displaced; repairs of damaged housing; protective shelters for schools; vital medicines and access to health care, including sexual and reproductive health; blankets, winter clothing and heat sources during the winter months; and psychosocial support. This support helps to boost the Ukrainian people’s resilience. Through the World Food Programme (WFP), Sweden has also supported the transport of wheat from Ukraine in order to relieve the consequences of war in other countries where there is humanitarian need.

Budget support

Russia’s full-scale invasion has seriously damaged Ukraine’s economy. With a significant part of Ukraine’s state resources designated to its Armed Forces, the Government’s budget is suffering from an extensive deficit that the country’s own tax revenues cannot cover. To contribute to Ukraine’s macroeconomic stability, Sweden is therefore providing budget support. The support strengthens Ukraine’s capacity to uphold essential public services, such as payments of salaries and pensions to state employees and reparations of energy and housing infrastructure. The support is provided as grants and guarantees and is channelled through the EU and World Bank, amongst others. 

Reconstruction

Support for reconstruction and modernisation is a big part of Sweden’s civil support to Ukraine. It involves support for the reconstruction of destroyed physical and social infrastructure, both to meet urgent needs and to contribute to sustainable development in the long term. A particular priority is rebuilding the energy infrastructure, as working electricity and heat services are fundamental for Ukrainian society to function. The support is channelled through organisations such as the international Ukraine Energy Support Fund, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Nordic Environment Finance Corporation, the United Nations Development Programme and the World Bank. 

Reform support

Another important part of civil support to Ukraine is the support directed to the country’s reform efforts. The aim is to strengthen Ukraine’s democratic institutions and economic outlook and to help Ukraine on its journey towards EU membership. The support focuses on inclusive economic development, support to civil society, human rights, democracy, rule of law and gender equality. 

The overall objective of reform cooperation is to contribute to Ukraine’s EU accession. As part of the accession process, Ukraine needs to adapt its regulatory framework to the EU’s within a range of policy areas called negotiating chapters. To date, Sweden has made contributions to 28 of a total of 35 negotiating chapters, including free movement, the judicial system, environment and economy. 

Civil crisis management

The Swedish Civil Defence and Resilience Agency coordinates civilian operations within the framework of the EU Civil Protection mechanism. Through the Agency, Sweden helps with the coordination and transportation of medical supplies, the transport of sick and injured people for health care in Sweden, mine clearance, protective equipment, fire protection, emergency accommodation, electrical equipment and generators.

By providing expertise, training initiatives and method development in accordance with the EU’s guidelines around civil crisis management, Sweden is also helping to counter and combat organised crime. This is taking place by strengthening Ukrainian authorities’ ability to prevent, identify and manage cross-border threats including corruption, human trafficking, arms smuggling and other illegitimate activity that undermines societal stability and European security.

Team Sweden for Ukraine

Sweden’s engagement for Ukraine is strong. Several government agencies and other state actors have specific remits to help with reconstruction efforts. Civil society, municipalities and regions as well as universities, higher education, research institutes and cultural institutions also contribute their expertise in various ways. The Swedish business sector also plays an important role in support to Ukraine and is an active participant in the country’s reconstruction.