Illustrative photo
Norway has announced plans to increase its civilian aid to Ukraine by an additional five billion kroner ($475 million) this year. Oslo will extend its aid package until 2030.
This was reported by AFP.
«The Scandinavian country has already allocated 22 billion kroner for military and civilian aid this year, and an additional five billion kroner will be provided for essential civilian needs», — Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre told reporters after a meeting with parliamentary leaders.
This brings the total aid package to 135 billion kroner, up from the previously announced 75 billion.
To pass the increased aid package through parliament, Støre’s center-left minority government will need the backing of the opposition, which has largely supported the increase in aid to Ukraine.
In addition, Ukraine will receive a €35 billion loan from the European Commission to meet its needs. This was announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a press conference in Kyiv on 20 September.
«Today, the European Commission has approved proposals that will allow the European Union to borrow €35 billion as part of the G7 commitment. This is a huge step forward. We are confident that we will provide this loan to Ukraine very quickly», — von der Leyen said at the joint press conference with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
She clarified that the loan is backed by proceeds from frozen Russian assets and will be transferred directly to Ukraine’s national budget.
«This will enhance Ukraine’s macro-financial stability», — von der Leyen added.
She also noted that Ukraine will have the discretion to decide how to allocate the funds.
President Zelenskyy confirmed that the loan would primarily be used for energy, defense, and constructing shelters in educational institutions. Additionally, part of the funds will go toward purchasing domestically produced drones and missiles, as well as air defense systems from abroad.
This loan is part of the G7 countries’ commitments, forming the majority of the previously agreed $50 billion loan package.