Oslo, 26 September 2023 (TDI): In solidarity with the European Union’s effort to support Ukraine, Norway pledges an additional NOK 1 billion to aid Ukraine in winter preparations.
Norway’s extended assistance aims to support Ukrainians to endure another challenging winter amidst the conflict.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt expressed deep concern for Ukraine’s population, enduring the brutality of Russia’s war. She acknowledged the resilience of Ukrainians in the face of relentless attacks on civilians and infrastructure.
This announcement occurred during the Third Humanitarian Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) on Ukraine, jointly hosted by Norway and the European Union in Oslo.
Read Also: Norway contributes NOK 1 billion to aid Ukraine.
The SOM gathers 150 participants, including Ukrainian authorities, UN representatives, the International Red Cross, humanitarian organizations, and donor countries.
The meeting itinerary includes the dire humanitarian crisis triggered by the Ukraine war. Seeking ways to provide timely assistance to civilians and transition from short-term aid to long-term reconstruction solutions.
According to the United Nations, over 17 million people in Ukraine need humanitarian assistance.
Additionally, within Ukraine, 5 million people have been displaced internally, while more than 6.2 million are refugees in neighboring countries due to Russia’s aggression.
Fund channels
Norway’s contribution of NOK 1 billion will go through the United Nations, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
Of this amount, NOK 650 million will support UN initiatives, with NOK 350 million allocated to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
Assisting the most disadvantaged people is a crucial goal for these funds. Safe housing, food, drinkable water, sanitation, healthcare, psychosocial support and defence against gender- and sexual-based violence. All of this falls under the umbrella of the Nansen Support Program for Ukraine.
Furthermore, Norway’s backing of the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund supports local civil society organizations operating within Ukraine.
These local groups often act as first responders, reaching out to vulnerable communities and accessing areas near conflict zones or territories recently liberated from Russian occupation.
Despite the significant humanitarian needs in Russian-controlled regions, gaining access remains challenging.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Norway has demonstrated unwavering commitment by providing over NOK 3.5 billion in humanitarian aid to Ukraine and neighboring countries hosting refugees fleeing the ongoing crisis.
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