Since the beginning of the Russian war against Ukraine, the federal government has supported Ukraine and its people in four priority areas: humanitarian aid, reform processes, diplomatic support for peace and participation in the reconstruction process.
The Federal Council set the first reconstruction milestone in hosting the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Lugano in 2022. Almost two years later, on 10 April 2024, it expressed its long-term commitment to providing support and earmarked CHF 5 billion in aid for Ukraine over a 12-year period. Different instruments, including humanitarian aid, continuation of reforms, peacebuilding and reconstruction, will be applied at varying times and in different regions. In a first phase up to 2028, an initial CHF 1.5 billion in funding will come from international cooperation loans. In a second phase from 2029 to 2036, the Federal Council will consider other sources of funding to meet the remaining CHF 3.5 billion.
Country programme with three-fold focus
The 2025–28 country programme adopted by the Federal Council at its meeting on 12 February 2025 forms the basis of Switzerland's twelve-year support process. It sets out a range of activities aimed at providing emergency aid, establishing a just and sustainable peace and giving the Ukrainian people a foundation on which to move forward with their lives.
The 2025–28 country programme focuses on three areas:
· Economic recovery: Ukraine's economy has suffered a severe setback as a result of the war. The federal government is working with Ukrainian SMEs to help them gain a foothold on the global market. In addition to supporting and developing the private sector, including agriculture, the focus is on rebuilding urban infrastructure and repairing infrastructure damaged or destroyed by the war (particularly in frontline regions).
· Public services: A sound health service, education and social services as well as a functioning energy supply, public transport and water facilities can provide a foundation upon which Ukrainians can build their future, including those who are considering returning to their home country. The aim here is to support the Ukrainian authorities in providing good quality public services free from discrimination and corruption. The Confederation also encourages local and regional authorities to be involved in the reconstruction process.
· Protection of the civilian population & peace: Where there is war, protection and security remain primary needs. The Swiss government focuses on providing emergency aid and supports humanitarian mine clearance, the search for and identification of missing persons, and documenting and prosecuting violations of international humanitarian law and human rights. Determining the fate of missing soldiers and civilians is essential both for a population traumatised by war and in order to establish lasting peace.
Diverse partnerships
For Swiss expertise to bear fruit, partnerships are required: with the authorities, the private sector, the science community and non-governmental organisations. One third of the funds (approx. CHF 500 million) has been earmarked for reconstruction in cooperation with Swiss companies. Changes will be made to the existing legal basis to ensure a systematic approach to reconstruction which meets requirements under international law. To this end, on 29 January the Federal Council approved the negotiating mandate for a temporary treaty with Ukraine; this is currently under consultation in the parliamentary foreign policy committees.
In September 2024, the Federal Council set up a project organisation to manage the country programme. This is headed by the Federal Council’s delegate for Ukraine, who reports directly to the heads of the FDFA and EAER and is supported by three administrative units: the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the Peace and Human Rights Division (both FDFA) and SECO (EAER).
Further information:
Support of the Confederation for the people affected by the war in Ukraine
Ukraine (SECO)
Ukraine (SDC)
Ukraine Country Programme 2025-2028(pdf, 1308kb)
Address for enquiries:
For further information:
FDFA Communication
Tel. Press service +41 460 55 55
kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
EAER Communication
Tel. +41 58 462 20 07
info@gs-wbf.admin.ch
