Ukraine and Norway agree to start talks on security guarantees - Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Photo: president.gov.ua)
Ukraine and Norway have agreed to start negotiations on security guarantees for Ukraine based on the Vilnius Declaration of the G7 countries, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy said he talked with the Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre.
"We have agreed to start negotiations on a bilateral document on security guarantees based on the Vilnius Declaration of the G7," he wrote.
The politicians also discussed developments on the front lines and Ukraine's priority defense needs. They discussed further strengthening Ukrainian forces, including anti-aircraft defense to protect critical infrastructure and the Black Sea grain corridor.
Special attention was given to the Middle East. Zelenskyy and Støre agreed that further escalation is unacceptable and called on all parties to avoid civilian casualties.
Zelenskyy also thanked Norway for the recent military assistance and long-term support.
Security guarantees for Ukraine
The G7 countries signed a declaration on security guarantees for Ukraine to prevent further Russian invasion before Ukraine becomes a member of NATO. Other countries have also joined this declaration. Ukraine has initiated bilateral negotiations on security guarantees with the United States and the United Kingdom.
A total of 29 countries have already supported the declaration on security guarantees for Ukraine.
Norway's assistance
Recently, Norway announced allocating $18.5 million in financial aid to demining Ukraine efforts.
Moreover, Norway decided to collaborate with Sweden and Denmark to procure artillery ammunition for Ukraine.
