Norway allocates $153 million to Czechia's initiative to purchase ammunition for Ukraine
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Getty Images)
Norway pledges up to 1.6 billion Norwegian kroner ($153 million) to Czech-led initiative for ammunition procurement for Ukraine from third countries, according to Norwegian government.
"Norway supports Ukraine with artillery ammunition both from its own stockpiles and directly from the industry. We have today decided to contribute up to NOK 1.6 billion to an initiative under the auspices of Czechia, to secure badly needed artillery ammunition for Ukraine as quickly as possible," said Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Czech initiative
Czech President Petr Pavel disclosed Prague's identification of 800,000 artillery ammunitions available for purchase for Ukraine. He emphasized the need for financing for this endeavor, aiming to acquire ammunition outside the European Union. This served as a contingency plan, given the EU's failure to fulfill its promise to deliver a million projectiles to Ukrainian defenders by March.
Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Denmark, Canada, and France have already backed Czechia's plan.
Norwegian assistance to Ukraine
Recently, the Norwegian government authorized direct sale of arms and defense products from Norwegian defense industry to Ukrainian defense authorities, effective from January 1, 2024.
In October, Norway announced financial assistance for demining efforts in Ukraine, totaling $18.5 million.
Furthermore, Kyiv has initiated discussions with Oslo regarding a bilateral security agreement.
