two people posing for the camera
Credit: MFA

''Ukraine's resilience also depends on keeping everyday life going, even as the war continues. Norway is helping to ensure that children can go to school, hospitals can treat patients and pensioners can receive their pensions,'' said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide. 

Russia's war of aggression is placing severe pressure on Ukraine's economy. Rising expenditure, combined with attacks that disrupt economic activity and reduce tax revenues, is making it increasingly difficult to finance civilian services. 

A functioning state and a stronger economy are important for Ukraine's ability to withstand pressure over time. Norwegian support also strengthens Ukraine's position in any future negotiations with Russia. Norway has also previously contributed to meeting urgent financing needs in the Ukrainian state budget. 

Europe's role in efforts to achieve lasting peace 

The support was announced at today's meeting between Foreign Ministers Sybiha and Eide. They are in Warsaw today for a meeting of foreign ministers from Germany, Poland and the Nordic and Baltic countries, together with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas. 

The meeting is focusing on the situation in Ukraine and forms part of extensive diplomatic efforts ahead of the next round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi next week. The northern European countries seek to strengthen Europe's role in efforts to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine. 

''In addition to our extensive and long-term military and civilian support for Ukraine, Finland and Norway are supporting Ukraine in its preparations for upcoming negotiations. Our aim is to do our part to help achieve a lasting and just peace in Ukraine. This is also one of the topics I am discussing with my Ukrainian colleague today,'' said Mr Eide. 

Help keeping Ukrainian public services running 

The funding is being provided through a World Bank multi-donor trust fund that reimburses verified expenditure on salaries, pensions and social benefits in the civilian sector, including in health, education and emergency services. 

The support will help maintain payments to vulnerable households, pensioners, and public-sector employees. It will also help meet financing needs around the turn of the year and represents Norway's first contribution towards financing Ukraine's civilian state budget in 2027. 

Oversight of the use of funds 

The World Bank is an important partner for Ukraine and the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine. The Bank works closely with the EU and other partners and supports reforms that form part of Ukraine's efforts towards EU membership. 

Good governance and anti-corruption efforts are central to the World Bank's work in Ukraine. The fund has specific control mechanisms that verify expenditure before it is reimbursed. These processes are also subject to external oversight.