Norway renews support to Ukraine with air defense and financial aid.

During a meeting in Oslo with Ukrainian President Zelensky, on 13 December 2023, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre pledged to continue Norway's support in Ukraine's fight for freedom. This announcement includes a substantial donation of air defense equipment and a financial package exceeding 3 billion NOK (approximately 300 million EUR) aimed at maintaining essential public services in Ukraine, such as education and healthcare.
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Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre pledged to continue Norway's support for Ukraine. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Prime Minister Støre emphasized the importance of this support in defending collective security and democratic values, highlighting that Russia's actions in Ukraine challenge the very principles of international law and a rules-based order. In response, Norway, in coordination with its allies, is committed to providing the necessary aid to Ukraine in its defense efforts.

This support is part of the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine, a five-year initiative agreed upon by the Norwegian parliament (Storting) in February, encompassing 75 billion NOK (approximately 7.5 billion EUR) in aid. During the meeting in Oslo, Prime Minister Støre detailed the key components of this aid package:

A direct allocation of 135 million NOK (approximately 13.5 million EUR) to the Ukrainian government for critical services like education, healthcare, and pensions, along with an early disbursement of 3 billion NOK (approximately 300 million EUR) in 2024 through the Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction, and Reform Trust Fund (URTF) under the World Bank. An additional 335 million NOK (approximately 33.5 million EUR) for air defense equipment to protect Ukrainian cities from Russian attacks. 1 billion NOK (approximately 100 million EUR) for co-financing to enhance the capacity of the defense industry to produce more ammunition and missiles. 137 million NOK (approximately 13.7 million EUR) to support the UN’s Winter Response Plan for Ukraine, earmarked for essential supplies such as food, water, clothing, and shelter during winter.

These initiatives add to Norway's already significant contributions announced for 2023, with more than half of the total assistance being military support, particularly in air defense. The air defence systems to be delivered to Ukraine are already known, and will of course be NASAMS.

As Ukraine faces its third winter since Russia's full-scale invasion, Norway's enhanced military aid, including air defense equipment, is crucial in protecting Ukrainian cities. Furthermore, the financial aid aims to stabilize Ukraine's economy, which has been severely impacted by the ongoing conflict and Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure.

Prime Minister Støre highlighted the difficult situation in Ukraine, with widespread power outages and the urgent need for foreign support to keep basic services operational. Norway's comprehensive aid package reflects its commitment to supporting Ukraine through these challenging times.