Norway explains role of its military in security guarantees for Ukraine
Photo: Jonas Gahr Støre (Getty Images)
On Tuesday, Norway will confirm to its allies its readiness to join international efforts to ensure Ukraine’s security in the event of a reliable ceasefire with Russia, states the country’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, in an interview with NRK.
According to Støre, the main task of the allies is to establish reliable security guarantees for Ukraine that would prevent the resumption of war after a possible cessation of hostilities.
"It’s about ensuring that peace does not become just a pause before a new conflict. Ukraine must have the capability to defend itself," he emphasized.
Norway’s participation in military support
The Prime Minister also noted that the countries of Northern Europe and the Baltics have taken responsibility for forming a separate Ukrainian brigade.
Norway does not rule out the possibility of deploying its troops to train Ukrainian units directly on Ukrainian territory.
What guarantees are the allies discussing
On the eve of the summit, Reuters published a draft declaration outlining possible commitments of the allies within the framework of future security guarantees for Ukraine.
These include:
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Military support;
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Intelligence and logistical assistance;
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Diplomatic initiatives;
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The implementation of additional sanctions against Russia.
The document has not yet been approved by the leaders of the participating countries.
Ceasefire without an agreement with Russia
About 27 heads of state are participating in the meeting in Paris, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The presence of US presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner is also expected.
Despite active diplomatic efforts, the parties have so far been unable to reach an agreement supported by both Ukraine and Russia. According to Støre, the most difficult issue in the negotiations remains the determination of territorial boundaries.
Summit in Paris
On January 6, Ukraine’s allies will hold a meeting in Paris to coordinate future security guarantees for Kyiv in the event of a ceasefire with Russia. Key topics will include developing a joint position of Ukraine, Europe, and the US, as well as the possibility of deploying foreign troops after a ceasefire is established.
It is expected that at the leaders’ level, the parties will finalize drafts of security agreements with a focus on guarantees and Ukraine’s reconstruction, after which negotiations will continue in the United States.
At the same time, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk suggested that the signing of documents formalizing a joint US-European position on Ukraine could take place soon, likely in Washington.
According to Sky News, the allies are also preparing to take on binding commitments in the event of new Russian aggression.
