Norway announces NOK 4 bln aid package for Ukraine, including energy
Foreign Minister Espen Bart Eide, who is visiting Kyiv, has announced the allocation of NOK 4 billion (about $396 mln) in aid to Ukraine, which will be directed to the energy sector and the functioning of the Ukrainian state.
"Today it is -16 degrees Celsius in Kyiv. We can only imagine how cold it is when the electricity goes out, and often for six hours at a time. This is money that Ukraine really needs and needs now. Several times a week, Russia attacks the infrastructure that provides electricity to ordinary people in Ukraine. Ensuring that Ukrainians can keep warm, cook and live their lives more or less as usual is very important for them to be able to continue to endure this war. A war that they are fighting on behalf of all of us," Eide said.
It is noted that Norway is in constant dialogue with the authorities in Kyiv and other participants on the distribution of Norwegian support for the energy sector. The goal is to meet Ukraine's needs and spread the risks. It is important to maintain energy production and strengthen the resilience of the energy sector.
"It is necessary to finance the purchase of gas that can be delivered quickly. At the same time, damaged infrastructure needs to be repaired and spare parts purchased," Eide explained.
The Norwegian contribution will be channeled through partners such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Energy Community, which aims to expand the EU's internal energy market to third countries such as Ukraine. This has been agreed with other key donors.
Official exchange rate on Monday: 1 Norwegian krone is equal to 4.2606 UAH (or about $0.1)
