Ukraine and Norway eye joint investments in military drones
Ukrainian and Norwegian delegations discussed investments in combat drone production (Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine)
Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Ihor Zhovkva, discussed financing for Ukrainian drone production with a Norwegian delegation led by Arild Eikeland, Director of the Department for International Security Policy and Operations at Norway’s Ministry of Defense, according to the Office of the President of Ukraine.
Zhovkva urged partners to continue investing in the production of drones that have proven their effectiveness on the battlefield.
“Supporting Ukraine today is an investment in Europe’s long-term security. Now we need joint production facilities that will work to defend Ukraine. Partners investing in these processes today will gain advantages tomorrow. After the war in Ukraine ends, our joint production lines will work to defend Europe,” he stressed.
Zhovkva thanked Norway for its assistance to Ukraine, in particular for strengthening air defense and for its participation in the PURL program, which allows the purchase of American weapons.
The Deputy Head of the Presidential Office also briefed the delegation on diplomatic efforts to achieve real peace, including talks between the presidents of Ukraine and the United States with the participation of European leaders in Washington.
“Ukraine has confirmed its readiness for a meeting at the level of leaders with Russia. However, in the two weeks since, Moscow has not provided a single positive signal indicating readiness for diplomacy. Instead, the Russians have carried out cynical strikes on Ukrainian cities,” Ihor Zhovkva noted.
The talks also addressed the issue of security guarantees. Zhovkva stressed that one of the most important security guarantees is a strong Ukrainian army, and called for continued support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
They also discussed cooperation between Ukraine and the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF). Zhovkva expressed gratitude for granting Ukraine enhanced partnership status and emphasized that Ukraine is ready to give this status real practical meaning.
Earlier, French Ambassador to Ukraine Gaël Veyssière said that France and Ukraine are working on launching drone production for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which could be set up in both countries.
According to him, the issue of a French company starting drone production in Ukraine is still being worked out.
Agreements have already been reached with Denmark on launching a joint production line for long-range drones.
Talks are also ongoing with the US on a large-scale $50 billion deal to boost drone production.
