Norway has backed Ukraine against Russia with a €9 billion defense aid package to strengthen Ukraine’s military and security capabilities.
The Northern European country has confirmed continued support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia, following high-level talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Crown Prince Haakon of Norway.
In a statement on April 15, the Ukrainian President said he briefed Norwegian leadership on continued Russian strikes and frontline conditions, confirming that the discussions focused on security cooperation and strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities amid the war.
“I thank Norway, its government, and all its people for supporting Ukraine. I am grateful for the allocation of €9 billion in assistance for this year. This is important for Ukraine,” read Zelenskyy’s statement in part.
Zelensky Confirms the €9 Billion Defense Aid Package
In his statement, Zelenskyy stated that Russia has continuously terrorized people and life, a reason why Ukraine, together with its partners, is doing everything possible to bolster air defense and enhance protection.
The Ukrainian president said it is building a strategic partnership with Norway focused on security and defense cooperation.
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He stated that the collaboration is intended to be long-term and mutually beneficial, with the aim of strengthening the defense capabilities of both countries.
Additionally, the statement indicated that the partnership includes the development and implementation of a drone agreement, which is expected to enhance defense potential on both sides.
“We are interested in a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership that will strengthen the defense potential of both Ukraine and Norway, in particular through the development and implementation of the Drone Deal,” Zelenskyy said.
UK to Deliver 120,000 Drones to Ukraine in Landmark Military Aid Plan
The UK has announced the biggest-ever drone package for Ukraine, delivering at least 120,000 drones this year and driving growth and jobs across the UK.
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This comes as the Defense Secretary travels to Berlin today to co-chair the 34th meeting of the 50-nation-strong Ukraine Defense Contact Group alongside German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, Ukrainian Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
“In the fifth year of Putin’s brutal war, the UK is stepping up further and providing the highest ever number of drones for Ukraine this year,” said the UK Defense Secretary John Healey MP.
According to the UK statement, the new package, the largest of its kind ever supplied by the UK, will include thousands of long-range strike drones, intelligence and reconnaissance drones, logistics drones, and maritime capabilities, which are all battle-proven on Ukraine’s frontline. Deliveries of these new drones to Ukraine have already started this month.
