Norway has decided to give Ukraine a very large gift! $7 billion for defense needs - this is what awaits us next year. This news was confirmed by the Norwegian Minister of Defense Tore Sandvik, who confirmed the figure during a meeting with Ukraine's Defense Minister Shmyhal.
«Minister Sandvik confirmed further support for Ukraine and announced the decision to allocate $7 billion next year for defense needs. I am grateful to the government and people of Norway for their significant contribution, providing F-16s and supporting the Ukrainian aviation, for their participation in the PURL initiative and in the Coalition of Maritime Capabilities», – wrote Shmyhal.
The agreement also provides for the signing of memorandums on the quality of defense products and the creation of a joint defense enterprise in Ukraine. The needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, strengthening air defense, and the development of long-range capabilities were discussed.
«Another important step – a memorandum between Ukrainian and Norwegian companies for the creation of a joint defense enterprise in Ukraine. This will strengthen our defense-industrial potential», – added Shmyhal.
Norway's energy support package for Ukraine
The President of Ukraine reported on receiving the third energy support package from Norway this year amounting to about $150 million. These funds will be directed to the purchase of gas for the winter period. Earlier, Norway also allocated over $695 million for Ukraine's air defense.
Norway has confirmed its readiness to provide significant financial and military-technical assistance to Ukraine. The agreement provides not only for the allocation of $7 billion for defense needs, but also for joint projects in the military sphere between companies from both countries and energy support packages for the winter period.