During his working visit to Norway, Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk met with Norwegian officials, parliamentarians and business representatives to discuss military cooperation between the two countries.

Since the beginning of 2024, the Norwegian government has opened up the possibility for Ukraine to purchase weapons directly from Norwegian defence companies.

"Ukraine is very interested in both purchasing weapons for its needs from Norwegian defence companies and establishing joint production of certain types of weapons and military equipment on Ukrainian territory. Norwegian companies produce high-tech weapons that will be effective for many years to come," said Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk during a meeting with Norwegian officials.

Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre noted that Russia's war against Ukraine has become the greatest challenge to security policy of our time. 

"Ukrainians are fighting for their survival and freedom. Their defence is also our fight. It is a fight for democratic values and European security. That is why Norway will continue to support Ukraine," he said.

On 2 February, the Norwegian government presented a report and a plan for further multibillion-dollar assistance to Ukraine under the Nansen Programme, which covers both military and humanitarian areas, to the country's parliament. This aid package is unprecedented, as it is the largest in Norway's history in terms of aid to a country at war.

During the event, Ivan Havryliuk thanked Norway for its extensive support in the fight against Russian aggression.

"Norway has done a lot to make our army stronger in the fight against the aggressor. Ukrainians are grateful to the people of Norway for their strong political, humanitarian and military support," said the Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine.

Minister of Defence of Norway Bjørn Arild Gram reminded that, among other things, Norway has already transferred artillery, armoured vehicles, tanks and demining equipment to Ukraine: "Together with the UK, we are supporting Ukraine in building its coastal and maritime defence. In addition, instructors from the Norwegian Armed Forces are training Ukrainian servicemen in the UK, Germany and Lithuania."

Ivan Havryliuk stressed that long-term programmes of our partners, which include defence packages and budget support, are crucial for the Ukrainian people.

"Any assistance provided by our partners is important for Ukraine, but now we need weapons and ammunition the most. We want to live in a free, democratic and peaceful country - for this we must fight and defeat the aggressor," said Ivan Havryliuk in his speech in the Norwegian Parliament. 

For reference: In February 2023, the Norwegian Parliament adopted a decision to support Ukraine - the Nansen Programme. The programme is named after Nobel Peace Prize winner Fridtjof Nansen, in memory of his outstanding humanitarian work in Ukraine a century ago.

The Nansen Programme envisages the allocation of NOK 75 billion (over UAH 260 billion) to Ukraine over the period 2023-2027. This includes military support, humanitarian assistance, funding for civilian infrastructure, and support for the reconstruction of the country when it becomes possible.

In 2023, NOK 7.5 billion was allocated for civilian support and another NOK 7.5 billion for military assistance to Ukraine.

Significant civilian support from Norway helps pay salaries to Ukrainian school employees, ambulance workers, firefighters, and civil servants. Also, since the start of the large-scale invasion, Norway has provided NOK 3.5 billion for the purchase of gas, repair of critical infrastructure and the operation of Ukraine's electricity companies.

In the photo: Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre at a meeting with a Ukrainian delegation led by Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk. Photo by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs