Norway allows direct sale of weapons to Ukraine
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Espen Barth Eide (Photo: flickr.com/miljoverndepartementet)
The Norwegian government has decided to permit direct sales of weapons and defense products from the Norwegian defense industry to Ukrainian defense authorities. This policy change came into effect on January 1, 2024, according to the press service of the country's government.
"In the extraordinary security situation resulting from Russia's war of aggression, it is crucial that we continue to support Ukraine. Support for Ukraine is important for Norwegian and European security. We must plan for the possibility that the illegal war of aggression may be prolonged. The Government has therefore decided to permit direct sales of weapons and defense-related products from Norwegian defense industry to Ukraine," stated Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.
Subject to compliance with requirements for end-user verification and control, the government has decided to permit direct sales of weapons and defense products from the Norwegian defense industry to Ukrainian defense agencies.
"This change means that we are safeguarding fundamental defense and security policy interests for Norway together with our allies. The Government employs a number of instruments to facilitate the important role of the defense industry in the current security policy situation," said Minister of Defense Bjørn Arild Gram.
Norwegian assistance to Ukraine
In October, Norway announced financial assistance of $18.5 million for demining efforts in Ukraine. Subsequently, Norway provided €84 million to Norwegian organizations assisting Ukrainians.
Recently, Ukrainian border guards received a mobile radiation monitoring complex from Norway, utilized in high-risk areas to assess radiation levels.
Norway also announced the allocation of €17 million to the World Food Programme, including the humanitarian food program "Grain from Ukraine."
Additionally, the UK and Norway jointly lead a new "maritime coalition" to aid Ukraine. This coalition will supply ships and other transport assets to strengthen the Ukrainian Armed Forces' capabilities at sea.
