The government is now allocating more than a billion SEK in a new civilian aid package to Ukraine. The purpose is to meet the country’s most urgent needs during the winter, but also to strengthen Ukraine’s resilience in the longer term. This comes at the same time as several individuals within President Volodymyr Zelensky’s inner circle are accused of corruption.

Earlier this autumn, the government presented a long-term plan for continued support to Ukraine. Up to 2027, an additional 70 billion SEK will be allocated in military aid, which means that Sweden’s total support since the Russian invasion in 2022 will reach around 170 billion SEK.

READ ALSO: Sweden and EU in agreement: Promise to cover Ukraine’s economic needs

It is stated in a new press release on the government’s website that the new support package totaling 1.112 billion SEK is aimed at the most urgent needs in Ukraine.

The funds will be used, among other things, to secure energy supply, repair and rebuild destroyed infrastructure, implement important reforms, and strengthen the country’s healthcare system.

This comes as Ukraine’s anti-corruption authorities recently conducted a raid on government quarters and also conducted a search at President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak’s home. Shortly thereafter, Zelensky’s closest man resigned.

READ MORE: Zelensky’s closest man RESIGNS after anti-corruption raid

The raid on Yermak is the latest in a series of anti-corruption efforts targeting individuals in the president’s innermost circle. Just over two weeks ago, Ukraine’s Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko was also dismissed after being implicated in an ongoing corruption investigation.

Zelensky’s former business partner Timur Mindich, former adviser to the Minister of Energy Ihor Myroniuk, and former security chief of Energoatom, Dmytro Basov, are additional names mentioned in the investigation.

READ ALSO: Government responds to Ukrainian corruption: “The information is very serious”

Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa (M) emphasizes in a comment that Sweden continues to do everything to support Ukraine.

“In Ukraine, winter is approaching. As the temperature drops, Russia has intensified its attacks on civil infrastructure. This leaves millions of Ukrainians without access to electricity, heat, and water, likely facing the worst winter since 2022,” says Dousa.

Busch: “Europe’s entire defense”

In another statement from the government, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy and Enterprise Ebba Busch (KD) says that Russia is failing on the battlefield and therefore is directing its attacks towards Ukraine’s energy system and civilian infrastructure. According to Busch, Ukraine represents “Europe’s entire defense”.