Norway pledges $79 million to support Ukraine's public services and reconstruction
Norway has pledged an additional 750 million Norwegian kroner ($78.8 million) to help Ukraine maintain essential public services and rebuild infrastructure damaged by Russia's war, the Norwegian government announced on October 14.
The funding will be channeled through the World Bank's Special Program for Ukraine (SPUR), which uses donor contributions to mobilize roughly three times their value in loans.
According to the Norwegian government, the new contribution could unlock more than 2 billion kroner ($210 million) in additional financing for Ukraine.
The funds will help cover salaries for public-sector workers, including teachers and doctors, social benefits and infrastructure reconstruction.
"Continued Russian attacks are undermining Ukraine's ability to finance essential public services on its own," Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said. "If Ukraine is to prevail, it is crucial that basic societal functions are maintained."
International Development Minister Åsmund Aukrust announced the contribution during the World Bank's annual meetings in Bangkok, where other donors are also expected to announce funding.
Norway previously contributed 1 billion kroner to the first phase of SPUR, helping mobilize 3 billion kroner in loans for Ukraine.
Aukrust said that support for Ukraine must also lay the groundwork for future private investment, which could help create jobs, sustain public services and support economic recovery after the war.
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