Nordic Summit on military support to Ukraine
Press release | Date: 28/10/2024 | Last updated: 29/10/2024 | Office of the Prime Minister
On Monday 28 October, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and the other Nordic prime ministers met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
‘This summit makes it very clear that there is strong Nordic support for Ukraine. Ukraine’s fight to defend itself is a question of the survival of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. But Russia’s war of aggression against a European neighbour is also an attack on our values and security,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
The Nordic-Ukraine Summit took place in Thingvellir, Iceland and was hosted by Prime Minister of Iceland Bjarni Benediktsson. During the summit, the Nordic leaders pledged to continue to provide military, economic and humanitarian support to Ukraine.
The Nordic countries are providing comprehensive, long-term support to Ukraine and the prime ministers reaffirmed that the Nordic countries would continue to provide support, individually and collectively as a region. The Norwegian Government has proposed to increase the overall funding framework for the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine from NOK 75 billion to at least NOK 135 billion, and to extend the support programme to 2030.
In their joint statement, the Nordic countries emphasise that they will work to further develop cooperation with Ukraine’s defence industry.
‘We are maintaining a close dialogue with Ukraine regarding Norway’s support. Ukraine knows what it needs best. Closer cooperation with Ukraine’s defence industry would enable Ukraine to obtain the weapons and ammunition they need more rapidly and effectively,’ said Mr Støre.
Norway has already contributed directly to efforts to strengthen the Ukrainian defence industry. The Norwegian Government is now considering various measures to further increase production capacity. One possibility is to channel funding through a Danish-led initiative that financially supports Ukraine in acquiring arms directly from Ukrainian defence companies.
‘I would like to commend Denmark on its initiative. This agreement is expected to bolster Ukraine significantly and is supported by Norway. It is crucial for us to achieve an increase in Ukraine’s production capacity. A joint effort across countries will send a clear message that we stand together in the Nordic region and in Europe in supporting Ukraine’s fight to defend itself. We are now working to determine how Norway can best participate in these efforts and what exactly this will entail,’ said Mr Støre.
Nordic leaders have said that they will continue to put pressure on Russia by imposing sanctions and other measures against the ‘shadow fleet’.
The war in Ukraine has now lasted for nearly 1000 days and the country is facing another difficult winter. Norway has focused on providing support to the energy sector to help ensure that households have access to electricity and heating throughout the winter.
‘Ukraine is in an extremely challenging situation. The country is dependent on Western assistance. Together with our Nordic Allies and other allies and partners, Norway will continue to support Ukraine’s fight to defend itself,’ said Mr Støre.