In the framework of the Nordic-Ukrainian Summit, which is taking place in Helsinki, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre.
The talks focused on the situation at the front and the defence support Ukraine receives from Norway.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted Norway’s decision to join the international tank coalition, as well as active assistance in strengthening Ukraine’s air defence capabilities.
The Head of State also praised the Norwegian support in providing Ukraine with natural gas.
“You helped us get through a difficult winter. Thank you for that,” he emphasized.
They also discussed the preparations for Ukraine’s participation in the NATO Summit in Vilnius and its expected results, including the importance of providing Ukraine with security guarantees before joining the Alliance.
The parties considered the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula, emphasizing the need to involve the widest possible range of participants in its implementation and the preparation for the Global Peace Summit.
A new funding allocation
The President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Norway discussed in detail the priorities of the implementation of the recently presented five-year program of assistance to Ukraine in the amount of EUR 7.5 billion. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre informed Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky of the new funding allocation.
Norway has allocated NOK 2.8 billion (EUR 235 million) in support for life-saving humanitarian aid for the people of Ukraine. Now Norway is setting aside an additional NOK 1.7 billion (EUR 143 million) in civilian support for the Ukrainian government administration. The funds will be used to repair and maintain civilian infrastructure to provide Ukrainians with access to electricity and water, among other things.
The funds are being allocated under the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine. Earlier this year, NOK 2 billion (EUR 168 million) was set aside to maintain critical services of this type.
‘We are in close dialogue with the authorities in Ukraine to ensure that aid reaches those who are most in need. Russia’s war of aggression is causing inconceivable suffering and wide-scale destruction every single day. Our support will help to alleviate the situation of the Ukrainian people, who have endured so much, said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Norway has made a commitment to provide NOK 15 billion (EUR 1.2 billion) every year over the next five years, for a total amount of NOK 75 billion (EUR 6.3 billion) in the period from 2023 to 2027. The Norwegian Red Party (Rødt) signed the agreement at the end of April, so the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine now enjoys the united support of all the parties in the Storting.
