The Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine has reported that Switzerland has pledged to allocate 1.5 billion Swiss francs (approximately $1.7 billion) over the next four years for reconstruction projects in Ukraine. This announcement came after a meeting between the ministry’s head, Oleksiy Kuleba, and the Swiss Ambassador to Ukraine, Felix Baumann.
Ambassador Baumann stated that out of this amount, 1 billion francs ($1.1 billion) will be directed towards local self-government, demining, and humanitarian aid sectors. The remaining funds will be used for reconstruction programs involving the Swiss private sector. He also mentioned that a Swiss representative will be working in Ukraine to oversee the implementation of this project. Currently, a delegation from the private sector is in Kyiv to assess Ukraine’s medium- and long-term needs in areas under the ministry’s responsibility.
The ministry also highlighted Switzerland’s ongoing support for Ukraine, including reconstruction initiatives, joint projects with Ukrzaliznytsia, and assistance during heating season preparations. In 2023, the Swiss government approved a four-year aid package of 100 million Swiss francs ($118 million) for humanitarian demining in Ukraine. Additionally, Switzerland supports a program that aids mine victims and small farms that are unable to cultivate their fields.
Switzerland will also be hosting the Ukrainian Conference on Mine Action (UMAC2024) on 17-18 October in Lausanne. This conference aims to address the issue of landmines in Ukraine and find solutions to support mine victims and affected communities.
Read More @ euromaidanpress.com