Constructive discussions on military support and peace
Press release | Date: 20/03/2025 | Office of the Prime Minister
Ukraine is in need of increased military support as well as contributions to the efforts under way to achieve a lasting and just peace. Both these topics were discussed during the visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Oslo today. President Zelensky thanked Norway for the support it has provided to Ukraine in its fight to defend itself.
This is the second time President Zelensky has visited Norway since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Military support
‘It was a great pleasure to meet with President Zelensky again. This is a critical time for Ukraine’s future, and Norway is maintaining close contact with Ukraine and with other allies and partners,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Prime Minister Støre welcomed President Zelensky and his delegation to Oslo on Thursday afternoon. The two leaders had a working lunch at the Government Guest House, where they were joined by Minister of Finance Jens Stoltenberg, Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide and Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik.
‘Norway has recently more than doubled its support to Ukraine. We discussed Ukraine’s current needs and how to make best use of the increased support to provide the military equipment Ukraine needs to defend itself as rapidly as possible. At Ukraine’s request, Norway will contribute ammunition, drones and air defence systems. We also discussed how Norway can contribute most effectively to the Nordic-Baltic effort to create a Ukrainian brigade,’ said Mr Støre.
Broad political agreement
Norway recently increased it support to Ukraine under the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine. The parties in the Storting reached agreement on increasing support for 2025 from NOK 35 billion to NOK 85 billion. The overall funding framework for the Nansen Support Programme is now NOK 205 billion.
President Zelensky thanked Norway for its support at the press conference today.
‘We also discussed Ukraine’s future, the status of the efforts to secure a ceasefire and the need for the US, Europe and Ukraine to work together closely to achieve a lasting and just peace,’ said Mr Støre.
Free and democratic
The Prime Minister assured the Ukrainian President that Norway’s support to promote a free and democratic Ukraine would continue.
‘Our support is important in helping Ukraine to continue its fight to defend itself as well as in promoting respect for international law and the principles that are fundamental to peace in Europe. Norway stands together with the rest of Europe in increasing support for Ukraine in today’s situation, where the security of our continent is under grave threat,’ said Mr Støre.
Prime Minister Støre pointed out that US engagement to end the war in Ukraine is important for ensuring Europe’s overall security, and also how vital it is for various European countries to increase their contributions now.
‘Norway’s increased support will help Ukraine both to defend itself and to be able to participate in peace negotiations from a position of strength. The goal is to achieve a lasting and just peace,’ said Mr. Støre.
President Zelensky’s visit to Oslo is taking place against a backdrop of ongoing talks on a ceasefire and future peace negotiations as well as discussions between European leaders, the US and Russia.
‘I would like to commend Ukraine for steering the dialogue with the US onto a constructive track. Continued US engagement in the effort to achieve a lasting and just peace is crucial,’ said Mr. Støre.
