Norway to allocate billions for Ukraine's anti-aircraft defense - Norwegian PM
Photo: Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Getty Images)
Due to the urgent need for assistance to Ukraine, Norway will now contribute to the creation of an air defense system in the country, according to TV2.
"Every morning, the news reports about Russian missiles and drones that hit civilian buildings, and power plants, and kill many people. Ukraine has been able to protect itself from this, but it is running out of fuel," says Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
He notes that Norway will now allocate billions for Ukraine's air defense.
"The Nansen program was partially used for this, but in the revised budget we will also allocate enough funds for Norway to participate in this initiative from the very beginning," the Prime Minister says.
The Nansen program is a Norwegian support package for Ukraine. The program provides military and civilian support worth NOK 75 billion over five years.
Støre says that significant funds will be spent, but does not name the exact amount.
"We will return to this issue when we present the revised budget. It is expensive, but preserving peace and freedom costs money. Those who pay the highest price are Ukraine and Ukrainians," the politician emphasizes.
Norway's assistance to Ukraine
As part of its support for Ukraine, the Norwegian government has authorized the direct sale of weapons and defense products from the Norwegian defense industry to the Ukrainian military.
In October 2023, Norway announced the allocation of $18.5 million for demining in Ukraine.
Kyiv and Oslo are negotiating a bilateral security agreement, which could be another step towards strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
In addition, Norway has joined Czechia's initiative to purchase ammunition for Ukraine, demonstrating its solidarity with the Ukrainian people in their fight against Russian aggression.
