“Ukraine is now Sweden’s top aid priority”: Stockholm redirects billions from five countries to fund energy reconstruction
Sweden will wind down development aid to five countries and shift the money to Ukraine, Reuters reports, citing government officials.
The ongoing war in Ukraine has left the country in urgent need of external support. Western aid helps fund everything from energy reconstruction to civilian relief, making continued assistance a central component of Kyiv’s ability to withstand Russian attacks and maintain essential services.
Five countries in Africa and South America to lose Swedish aid
Officials said support for Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Mozambique, Liberia and Bolivia will be phased out over the coming years.
Minister for International Development Cooperation Benjamin Dousa said Ukraine is now Sweden’s top aid priority. He said the goal is to raise support to at least 10 billion kronor (about $1.06 billion USD) in 2026, adding that the budget is limited and funds must be moved from elsewhere.
Extra funds will be used to restore Ukraine's battered energy grid
The change is expected to free up more than 2 billion kronor (about $212 million USD) over the next two years, which Stockholm plans to use for projects such as restoring Ukraine’s energy system damaged by Russian strikes.
Sweden has already ended aid to more than 10 other countries since the current government took office in 2022, Reuters reported.
