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Norway Joins Nordic and Baltic Countries to Support Ukrainian Brigade with Training and Equipment.
On February 24, 2025, Norway confirmed its participation by providing military training and equipment to support the creation of a Ukrainian brigade. This contribution follows a direct request from Ukraine and is part of Norway's ongoing support for Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression.
Norway confirmed its participation by providing military training and equipment to support the creation of a Ukrainian brigade. (Picture source: Norwegian MoD)
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre emphasized the importance of this contribution, highlighting Ukraine's continued struggle not only for its sovereignty but also for Europe's security and the universal values of international law and democracy. "For three years, Ukrainians have been fighting for their freedom every day. They are fighting for Ukraine, but also for the security of Europe and for a global community based on international law and democratic values. That Norway, together with other countries, maintains and strengthens its support for Ukraine is crucial for Ukraine's resilience," said Støre.
Norway will collaborate with other Nordic and Baltic nations to train and equip a Ukrainian brigade, with the structure and composition of this force still under review. A typical brigade consists of 3,000 to 5,000 soldiers, organized into maneuver battalions along with support units such as engineering and medical sections. The final size and structure of this brigade will be determined through close coordination with Ukrainian authorities.
Prime Minister Støre clarified that Ukraine's needs have been the driving force behind Norway's military and civilian engagement since the conflict began in 2022. "Ukraine's needs have been the engine of Norwegian support. It has been important for the Norwegian government that our contributions have real significance for Ukraine's defense against Russia," added Støre. The creation of this brigade follows a direct request from Ukraine, to which Norway is now responding alongside its Nordic and Baltic allies.
Norway will take responsibility for the practical planning and implementation of the training for the soldiers who will form the brigade. Currently, Ukrainian soldiers are already being trained in Norway, the United Kingdom, and Germany. This new initiative will expand that effort, with Norway taking charge of the training leadership, which will be conducted in close collaboration with the other contributing countries and Ukraine itself.
The involved countries have also begun identifying the appropriate equipment to support the brigade. For Norway, this could include contributions from its own reserve stocks, as well as direct purchases from the Ukrainian defense industry. Among the donations being considered are equipment for infantry, medical, and engineering sectors. The final scope of Norway’s contribution will depend on the collective capabilities of the involved Nordic and Baltic countries as well as broader strategic plans for Norway's Armed Forces.
Funding for Norway’s contribution is currently under review, with specific budget allocations still to be determined. The costs will be covered by the Nansen Programme, a broader framework that guides Norway’s contributions to international defense efforts. Prime Minister Støre also confirmed that Norway is committed to providing at least 155 billion Norwegian krone to Ukraine over the period from 2023 to 2030, with 35 billion krone allocated for 2025. Of this, 22.5 billion krone is dedicated to military support and 12.5 billion krone to civilian aid. Norway had also contributed 12 billion krone during the early phases of the war (2022-2023), in addition to its support through the Nansen Programme.
Through this new initiative, Norway reaffirms its commitment to Ukraine's defense and the stability and security of Europe.