Crown prince of Norway arrives in Ukraine for first official visit
Photo: Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway (Getty Images)
Crown Prince of Norway Haakon arrived in Kyiv on Tuesday, May 20, marking his first visit to Ukraine. He is also the first member of Norway’s royal family to visit the country in nearly 20 years, according to Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to the Norwegian government, the visit demonstrates Norway’s strong and ongoing support for the Ukrainian government and people. The Crown Prince is accompanied by Energy Minister Terje Aasland.
"During his visit to Ukraine, the Crown Prince will meet with representatives of the Ukrainian government and Norwegian partners, and visit projects supported under the Nansen Program," the statement said.
According to NRK, Crown Prince Haakon arrived by train and disembarked "at a station outside the capital." His first stop was the Angels of Victory memorial in the village of Moshchun, where he laid a commemorative wreath.
"We are deeply impressed by their resilience and ability to endure," Haakon said, referring to the Ukrainian people.
This marks the first visit by a member of Norway’s royal family to Ukraine since the start of the full-scale war, and the first royal visit overall since 2008, when Crown Princess Mette-Marit visited Kyiv.
Zelenskyy met with the Crown Prince
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted a video of his meeting with Crown Prince Haakon of Norway.
"The Crown Prince began his first visit to Ukraine by visiting a rehabilitation center in Irpin. I am grateful for this meaningful gesture of attention and support for our people," he wrote on Facebook.
According to him, they talked about strengthening energy resilience.
"We appreciate the $450 million contribution of Norway to Ukraine's energy security. We also touched on deepening cultural ties between our nations and investment in the defense sector. There is strong potential in all these areas," the President stated.
Norway's support
Norway continues to provide military aid to Ukraine and has joined the international fighter jet coalition.
Ukraine received its first F-16 fighter jets from partners in the summer of last year. Initially reported by Western media, the delivery was later confirmed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
In addition to the fighter jets, Norway has supplied Ukraine with air defense systems, artillery, armored vehicles, and missiles. The Norwegian Prime Minister also announced that Norway will provide €3.5 billion in aid to Ukraine in 2025 to support its ongoing needs.
