Norway announced new military aid for Ukraine, which includes air defense equipment, and humanitarian assistance, Ukraine’s Presidential Office reported on 13 December.
On 13 December, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Osla. In Norway, Zelenslyy was to meet with Scandinavian leaders and address the Norwegian parliament.
During a press conference with the participants of the Nordic Summit, Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre announced an additional $1.8 billion in aid to Ukraine by the end of 2023, with further assistance planned for early next year.
“We are also scaling up our financial and humanitarian support by about $800 million this year,” Gahr Støre said.
Støre said that Norway will continue backing Ukraine in 2024, starting from the first months. This will involve direct economic support for critical services in Ukraine to avoid any disruption in aid delivery to the population.
In addition, Norway seeks to strengthen the protection of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. In particular, it provides air defense assets and increases funding for the defense industry together with its European partners. This will help produce more of the much-needed ammunition for Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
Earlier, President Zelenskyy met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in the Norwegian capital Oslo. According to the president, Norway is one of the global leaders in assisting Ukraine during Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Recently, the UK and Norway announced their co-leading a Maritime Capability Coalition, providing ships and transport to enhance Ukraine’s ability to operate at sea.
The new association will supply ships and other means to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Strengthening Ukraine’s naval capabilities, including countering the threat from Russian sea mines, will help resume Ukraine’s sea exports, said the statement.
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