Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced that Sweden would donate roughly €95 million ($100 million) towards efforts to address Ukraine’s energy crisis on Thursday, in light of Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.
Russia’s bombardment of Ukraine’s energy sector is nothing new, but freezing temperatures and sustained missile and drone strikes have created what one energy analyst recently described as a “uniquely dangerous” phase. For tens of thousands of civilians across Ukraine, this has meant a full-blown humanitarian crisis.
Writing on X, Kristersson said that he was “appalled” by Russia’s destruction of Ukraine’s energy and heating infrastructure, accusing Moscow of “deliberately causing a humanitarian crisis for Ukrainians this winter.”
“I spoke with President [Volodymyr] Zelensky today and informed him that Sweden will provide approx. 95 million euro to meet immediate needs, such as provision of generators and heating equipment. Sweden stands firmly by Ukraine’s side,” the Swedish prime minister added.
The Swedish government is the latest of several countries and organizations to send energy support to Ukraine amid plunging temperatures. On Jan. 26, the EU said that it would send an additional 447 generators to Ukraine – bringing the total number sent by the bloc to somewhere approaching 10,000.
Civil society, too, has reacted to the worsening humanitarian crisis. A Polish fundraiser raised over $2 million to “bring warmth from Poland to Kyiv,” with Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko taking receipt of the first 130 generators late last month.
Zelensky thanked Sweden for its contribution in a post on Telegram on Thursday evening, adding that he had discussed the situation with Kristersson “in detail” in a call.
“We also talked about strengthening air defense and protecting critical facilities. The countries of Northern Europe and the Baltics support us very much, and we appreciate it immensely,” the president said.
Zelensky also said he had updated Kristersson on the progress of trilateral talks between the US, Ukraine, and Russia in Abu Dhabi this week – adding that Sweden and Ukraine “continue to coordinate in diplomatic work.”