Finland to allocate €92 mln to Ukraine and countries affected by Russian aggression

Finland allocates €92 million to the Crisis Facility of the International Development Association (IDA) to increase support for Ukraine, Moldova, and countries affected by Russian aggression.

The funding will be used to "strengthen basic public services, repair critical infrastructure, promote policy reforms, and lay the foundation for Ukraine's reconstruction and recovery," Rubryka reports, citing the statement of the Finnish foreign ministry.

"This additional funding shows Finland's unwavering support to Ukraine in line with the Government Programme. We will also support improving food security in countries affected by Russia's invasion," said Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio.

€62 million will be allocated to support Ukraine and Moldova — €12 million as a grant and €50 million as a loan. Finland will also provide €30 million in loans to countries affected by Russian aggression and, among other things, to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

The Ukrainian funding will be used for health care, transport, energy, agriculture, housing construction, and social security needs. Finland wants to improve access to healthcare services, modernize medical care, promote the availability of services addressing acute energy shortages, repair vital road and railway networks and residential buildings, and sustain agricultural activities with particular attention to the rights of women, girls, and people with disabilities.

In Moldova, the IDA Crisis Facility will primarily help cover the costs of receiving Ukrainian refugees and the economic and social reconstruction of the country.