The Swedish government has named Elly Reinolds and the organisation OperationChange as recipients of the 2026 award for voluntary Swedish contributions in support of Ukraine. The award was presented by Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa.
According to the government, specialist physician and researcher Elly Reinolds receives the award in the individual category for her humanitarian efforts in Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Reinolds is a co-founder of OperationAid and has undertaken more than 35 field trips to the country.
The organisation OperationChange receives the award in the organisation category for its humanitarian efforts in support of civilians in Ukraine, including internally displaced persons, families, elderly people, and persons with disabilities. The organisation states that during one month in 2026 it participated in the transport and distribution of more than 100 tonnes of supplies.
"Swedish support for Ukraine is stronger than ever. It is built not only on government efforts but also on a remarkable commitment from Swedish civil society and private individuals," said Benjamin Dousa in a press release from the government.
The award was established in 2025 and is presented annually to one individual and one organisation that have made voluntary civilian contributions to Ukraine. The individual recipient receives 200,000 Swedish kronor and the organisation recipient receives 1.8 million Swedish kronor for continued operations.