Ukraine and Norway will work toward a strategic partnership. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced this following a meeting with Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre.
The Head of State thanked Norway for all its support and particularly highlighted energy assistance. Such cooperation helps Ukraine get through every winter that Russia tries to turn into a weapon. Norway is also one of the largest investors in the PURL initiative: total contributions have already reached $970 million.
“We also greatly appreciate every military package provided by the Norwegians. The long-term nature and predictability of Norway’s support, your annual financial support packages, greatly help with defense planning in this terrible war and all our actions,” the President said.
During the meeting, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Jonas Gahr Støre discussed continuing joint work and moving toward a strategic partnership. They also discussed future joint energy projects that could strengthen both countries. The energy ministers will remain in contact and prepare a relevant agreement on energy cooperation.
“I would also like to highlight our cooperation in weapons production. We greatly value that Norway provided Ukraine with NASAMS – I repeat this every time. We are very grateful for this. We expect our relations to reach a level that will allow us to jointly produce weapons,” the Head of State noted.
The President briefed on the situation at the front and air defense needs. The leaders also discussed diplomatic efforts. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that preparations for new trilateral-format meetings are ongoing, and Ukraine will coordinate substantively with Europe.
The Head of State also thanked Norway for supporting sanctions efforts and highlighted the NB8 format (the Nordic and Baltic countries), which has become one of the most effective platforms for coordination and joint work.
The Prime Minister of Norway assured his country will continue to support Ukraine, including in drone production. According to him, total assistance for 2026 will amount to about $8 billion.
“We support your efforts, the efforts of your diplomats, to reach an agreement that you will be able to defend as a democratic state, and you can count on us standing with you,” Jonas Gahr Støre said.