Sweden allotting $61.6 mln to support Ukraine's energy infrastructure

MOSCOW. May 28 (Interfax) - The Swedish government has approved a new assistance package for Ukraine to help restore energy infrastructure, Ukrainian media said, adding that the package totaled 650 million Swedish kronor (approximately $61.6 million).

"The new energy assistance package will help ensure power supply in Ukraine, so that essential social services such as schools, hospitals, transport, water and businesses can continue to function," the Swedish Foreign Ministry said in a statement published on the government website on Tuesday.

The package includes 500 million Swedish kronor ($47.4 million) provided via the Energy Community's Ukraine Energy Support Fund and 150 million Swedish kronor ($14.2 million) via the United Nations Development Program.

Ukraine is the largest recipient of Swedish development assistance on a bilateral basis, the statement said.

The Ukraine Energy Support Fund accumulates financial assistance from governments, international organizations and financial institutions to meet pressing power supply needs, such as the procurement of technical equipment.

Funding through the United Nations Development Program will help build energy infrastructure.