Support to Ukraine’s critical infrastructure
Critical infrastructure is under constant threat from Russian attacks. Secure communications systems are a prerequisite for a functioning society.
This has become particularly clear during Russia’s war against Ukraine, where telecommunications and communications systems have been direct targets of cyberattacks. A notable example is the cyberattack on Kyivstar, Ukraine’s largest telecom operator, in which millions of people temporarily lost access to phone and mobile data services. This affected not only civilians but also healthcare services and crisis response. Attacks are also regularly carried out against physical infrastructure such as railways and roads.
In February 2025, the agency was tasked by the Swedish Government to initiate cooperation with the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine (SSSCIP) to support Ukraine in protecting its critical infrastructure.
Support to the protection of critical infrastructure in 2026
In 2026, the agency’s support to the protection of critical infrastructure amounts to approximately SEK 31 million. Funding is provided by the Swedish Ministry of Defence and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The support is primarily directed to the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine (SSSCIP), which in many respects has a mandate similar to that of the Swedish Civil Defence and Resilience Agency.
Strengthening capacity to assess protection needs
Initial cooperation with SSSCIP has focused on cooperation in the cyber domain, as well as software support to help map critical infrastructure based on protection needs. The software is intended to provide improved situational awareness and serve as a basis for decision-making on how protection efforts should be prioritised.
The agency has also initiated cooperation with SSSCIP in the field of civil defence innovation.
Equipment support
At the beginning of 2026, the Swedish Civil Defence and Resilience Agency received a request for Sweden to rapidly deliver equipment support to SSSCIP. Within three weeks, 80 percent of the requested equipment had been delivered to Ukraine, and within six weeks the delivery was completed in full.
Exchange of experience and EU integration
In addition to winning the war, EU membership remains one of Ukraine’s key political priorities. As part of its EU integration process, Ukraine is working to develop legislation across several areas.
The EU has adopted several directives, for example the CER and NIS2 Directives, aimed at strengthening the resilience of critical entities—ensuring that each Member state can protect itself against threats and recover quickly from disruptions. Both Sweden and Ukraine are working to develop and implement legislation linked to these frameworks.
The Swedish Civil Defence and Resilience Agency and SSSCIP collaborate closely and actively exchange experience in this area.
The Swedish Civil Defence and Resilience Agency also works in close cooperation with counterpart agencies in other Nordic countries, as well as with several total defence authorities in Sweden, to deliver effective support for the protection of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure.