Switzerland allocates new winter aid package for Ukraine worth 48 million euros
Switzerland prepares a new aid package for Ukraine (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
The Swiss government is providing Ukraine with a new winter aid package worth 45 million Swiss francs (48 million euros). The funds will be used for the restoration of energy infrastructure damaged by Russian shelling, repairs to homes, and addressing humanitarian needs, according to the Federal Council of the Swiss government.
The Swiss government’s press release states that due to the intensification of Russian attacks, a significant portion of the Ukrainian population is suffering from power and heating outages.
To assist Ukraine in dealing with the challenges of this winter, Switzerland is providing this aid package.
"The targeted attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure have had devastating consequences. More than half of the country's energy production has been destroyed, leaving millions of people without adequate access to electricity, heating and water," the Swiss Federal Council stated.
It was also noted that the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) are helping Ukraine’s government, local partners, and UN organizations provide assistance to the population.
In addition, specialists from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) are stationed in Kyiv, supporting Ukrainian civil defense forces and heating suppliers across the country in the repair of damaged generators, heat pumps, and energy systems, as well as putting them into operation.
The Swiss government highlighted that in Odesa, thanks to SHA’s financial support and expertise, vital facilities (such as hospitals and schools) were able to function during the winter. Furthermore, more than 100,000 residents had a functioning heating system.
"In parallel to this emergency aid, the SECO is supporting energy infrastructure and efficiency at the municipal level," the Swiss government’s press release stated.
Aid to Ukraine from Switzerland
Switzerland has reported that over the last two winters, it has provided 84.5 million Swiss francs (more than 90 million euros) in support to Ukraine. The Swiss government emphasizes that the winter assistance package is an integral part of Switzerland's international cooperation efforts in Ukraine.
Since February 2022, following Russia's full-scale invasion, Switzerland has provided more than 477 million Swiss francs (approximately 512 million euros) to support people affected by the war in Ukraine and neighboring countries (refugees).
On November 1, the Swiss Ambassador to Ukraine, Felix Baumann, stated that Switzerland had sent 30 vehicles for clearing rubble and 30 fire pumps to Kyiv, with a total value of 5.6 million Swiss francs (about 6 million euros).
It is important to note that Switzerland maintains a policy of neutrality and does not supply weapons to Ukraine. Moreover, Switzerland prohibits third countries from transferring its weapons to warring parties.
For example, in late November, Western media reported that Switzerland had banned the sale of ammunition to a Polish company, as Swiss-made shells had ended up in Ukraine.
