President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre.
The leaders discussed diplomatic efforts to achieve a genuine and just peace, the strengthening of Ukraine’s air defense, continued energy cooperation, work with partners on security guarantees, and the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.
The Head of State expressed gratitude to Norway for its consistent and systemic support of Ukraine, particularly in strengthening its air defense. Jonas Gahr Støre confirmed that Norway, together with Germany, will finance the purchase of two Patriot systems and missiles for them.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also thanked Norway for supplying NASAMS systems and expressed hope for joint production of these systems with Norway.
“Our partners are well aware of our air defense needs. We hope that Norway’s example of assistance in this area will also be followed by other partners, other countries, particularly the Scandinavian states,” the President said.
During the meeting, the parties discussed in detail Ukraine’s defense needs, the situation on the front line, the capabilities of Ukrainian warriors, key threats, and cooperation programs for arms procurement. Norway has joined NATO’s PURL program, which enables the purchase of American weapons funded by partner countries.
The Prime Minister announced that next year Norway will maintain the same level of assistance as this year. Part of the funds will be directed toward financing Ukraine’s drone production. The Head of State emphasized that drones, especially long-range ones, must become one of the factors compelling Russia to seek peace.
The President and the Prime Minister also discussed diplomatic prospects and work on security guarantees for Ukraine.
“Norway is one of the participants of the Coalition of the Willing, and Ukraine hopes that Norway will take an active part in the initiatives that are meant to provide real, long-term security guarantees for our people, our state, and everyone in Europe,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The Prime Minister of Norway noted that a strong and well-equipped Ukrainian army will be one of the most significant and crucial security guarantees for Ukraine in the future.
“Discussions with partners are ongoing regarding reliable security guarantees that will be implemented after a sustainable peace is achieved, in order to prevent any renewed aggression against the people of Ukraine. Norway has been part of these discussions from the very beginning and will remain so,” Jonas Gahr Støre stated.
The leaders also spoke about the importance of exerting pressure on Russia. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Jonas Gahr Støre share the position that sanctions must remain in place until Russia ends its aggression and occupation of Ukrainian territories.
In addition, the President and the Prime Minister discussed energy cooperation. Norway assured Ukraine that it would help the country get through the winter period. A decision has already been made to support Ukraine’s gas purchases, and Ukraine is counting on further steps from Norway.
“Russia is trying to disrupt our winter preparations – striking our energy infrastructure. This concerns not only the generation of electricity and heat but also the extraction of our natural gas. That is why we greatly value Norway’s assistance to Ukraine in purchasing gas,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
Special attention during the meeting was paid to the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. Norway is an active participant in the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, created within the framework of the President of Ukraine’s initiative Bring Kids Back UA. Both sides agreed to continue cooperation to ensure that all Ukrainian children are brought back home.
