Norway has allocated an additional energy assistance package worth approximately $150 million for gas purchases this winter. The announcement was made by Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre during his meeting with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Oslo.
“Energy is extremely important. Thank you for this new energy support. It is vital,” the Head of State said.
This is already the third package of energy assistance from Norway this year, bringing the total contribution to around $400 million.
The President informed the Prime Minister about the consequences of today’s Russian attack, in which Russia targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and residential buildings. Jonas Gahr Støre expressed condolences to Ukrainians over another vile Russian attack and commended the courage of the Ukrainian people.
The leaders discussed Ukraine’s needs for air defense systems and missiles for them, as well as other steps that could strengthen our country during the winter.
They also focused on the development of defense cooperation, particularly in the production of drones and missiles, and on the expansion of the PURL initiative. The President thanked Norway for participating in this initiative. Last week, Norway announced its second contribution worth $200 million. The first contribution was made jointly with Sweden and Denmark in early August, when the three countries financed a second weapons package worth $500 million.
The President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Norway coordinated their positions and upcoming meetings to be held in Europe this week.
“We are very thankful for the big support of the Norwegian people, as well as for your personal and diplomatic involvement, which is very important. Second – energy. And I think the people of Norway understand how important and crucial it is for protecting our families. Air defense systems and missiles for these systems – all of this saves human lives. We are very thankful to you, people of Norway, for saving the lives of our people,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
