Ukraine invites Nordic countries to train and arm Ukrainian battalions

Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense has launched the Nordic Brigade project, inviting Northern European countries to train and arm Ukrainian battalions, the Ministry reported on 25 September. The initiative aims to strengthen defense cooperation between Ukraine and Scandinavian nations.

The Nordic countries are among the strongest supporters of Ukraine in its fight against ongoing Russian aggression. These nations provide military equipment, training, and humanitarian aid, while also strongly advocating for Ukraine’s sovereignty at international forums.

During a meeting with Anne Marie Aanerud, Norwegian Ministry of Defense Secretary of State, Ukraine extended an invitation to Norway to join the Nordic Brigade project. The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the Nordic Defense Industry Seminar, which took place on 17-19 September in Norway. At the event, Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Defense Oleksandr Balanutsa called on the arms directors of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden to engage in bilateral cooperation and invest in the Ukrainian defense industry.

Balanutsa emphasized the potential benefits for Nordic countries and their defense companies, stating,

“By joining the Northern Brigade project, defense companies and Nordic countries will have the opportunity to demonstrate the effectiveness of Nordic defense products on a real battlefield. Let’s join forces for a common victory.”

On the sidelines of the seminar, the Ukrainian delegation reportedly met with representatives from various defense industry companies, including NAMMO, Fjord Defense, FLIR UAS, Kongsberg, Equipnor, Norlense, and Rheinmetall.

Recently, the Norwegian government proposed to increase support for Ukraine by NOK 5 billion (EUR 425 million) this year and to provide at least NOK 15 billion (EUR 1.275 billion) a year until 2030. This assistance is provided under the Nansen Program, a collective term for Norwegian support to Ukraine, encompassing both military and civilian aid.

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