Sweden takes a detour for billions to Ukraine

Lars Larsson/TT 

Published 12:03

  

Minister for Development Cooperation Benjamin Dousa (M) with the cake platter, and a message about Ukraine money, during the government's summer coffee at Rosenbad. Photo: Pär Bäckström/TT

The government is contributing an additional 1.4 billion kronor to the World Bank. This will enable the bank to lend 4.2 billion to Ukraine, according to Minister for Development Cooperation Benjamin Dousa (M).

When asked what the loans can be used for by Ukraine, and why the government is taking a detour via the World Bank, Dousa replies.

- We know that Ukraine has major problems with corruption. If we just wrote a blank check, we wouldn't be able to follow up on the money in the same way.

According to him, the World Bank has worked out ways to follow the money so that it ends up in the right place. The billions can contribute broadly - to reconstruction, repair of electrical systems or to keeping schools and hospitals running.

In the years 2023-2025, Sweden contributed 720 million SEK to the corresponding program, according to the government.