Increased support for Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s war of aggression
Press release | Date: 09/05/2025 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Norway is providing NOK 580 million to the efforts of the UN Refugee Agency (UNCHR) to assist refugees, internally displaced people and other people in Ukraine and Moldova who are affected by the war.
Of this, NOK 530 million will be used for efforts in Ukraine and NOK 50 million for efforts in Moldova.
‘UNHCR is one of our most important humanitarian partners in Ukraine. At a time when international humanitarian support is declining even as humanitarian needs are rising as a result of Russia’s war, I am pleased that Norway can provide a vital contribution to UNHCR’s work to help internally displaced people and other vulnerable individuals who have been affected by the war,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.
Close to 7 million Ukrainians have fled the country. A further 3.8 million are internally displaced. A full 76 % of the refugees are women and children.
‘Russia’s war of aggression continues unabated. In the past few months there have been reports of a growing number of dead and injured among the civilian population, including children. Ukrainians living on the front line are fleeing their homes in search of safety. At the same time, recent attacks on the capital Kyiv are having an impact on people far from the front line as well,’ said Mr Eide.
According to the United Nations’ humanitarian appeal for Ukraine, 36 % of the Ukrainian population needs humanitarian assistance and protection in 2025. The civilian population in all regions is affected, with the regions close to the front in the east, south and parts of the north contending with the most severe impacts. UNHCR works closely with the Ukrainian authorities and local partners and is seeking to operate as close to the front line as possible. UNHCR provides life-saving humanitarian support, legal assistance, cash transfers and temporary shelters as well as support to repair damaged homes.
‘In March, together with Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha, I had the opportunity to meet several families in the city of Kharkiv, near the front line, who have received help from UNHCR. It was very moving to hear the stories of these people, trying to live their lives in the midst of a brutal war. At the same time, it is good to see that aid is reaching those in need. These families had received support for, among other things, repairs to their homes, emergency supplies and access to shelters for people affected by the war,’ said Mr Eide.
Norway has contributed more than NOK 900 million to UNHCR initiatives in Ukraine and neighbouring countries since 2022 and is one of the largest donors to the agency’s efforts. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Norway was the third largest humanitarian donor to Ukraine in 2024 after the US and Germany. Overall humanitarian funding under the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine amounts to NOK 3 billion.