Norwegian Government to expand and extend support for Ukraine’s fight for freedom

‘Norway stands firm in its support to Ukraine. Ukraine has an enormous need for both military and civilian support in its fight to defend itself against Russia. We are increasing the allocation for 2024 to a total of NOK 27 billion. At the same time, we are extending the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine for an additional three years and increasing the overall funding framework from NOK 75 billion to NOK 135 billion. Ukraine’s ability to defend itself is essential for the Ukrainian people, and to safeguard the safety and security of Europe,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

‘The Government has kept the Storting (Norwegian parliament) informed regarding the scope and targets of the support, and efforts to further develop the Support Programme to ensure it is adapted to Ukraine’s needs are based on input received from the all the political parties,’ said Mr Støre.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Norway has provided approximately NOK 52.6 billion to Ukraine, with roughly NOK 28 billion allocated as military support and NOK 24 billion as civilian support. The Government is now proposing to increase the overall funding framework for the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine from NOK 75 billion to at least NOK 135 billion, and to extend the programme to 2030.

The proposed allocation represents a minimum amount and not a funding cap. Norway's support to Ukraine is based on the country’s needs, and the flexible funding structure of the Support Programme makes it possible to increase support as Ukraine’s needs evolve. There was a funding increase of NOK 2.5 billion and NOK 7 billion in 2023 and 2024, respectively. These additional funds will not be deducted from the funding framework established for the years ahead.

‘Ukraine is in need of widespread support to continue to withstand Russia’s war of aggression. The Norwegian Government increased the allocation for military support by NOK 2.5 billion in the first year of the Support Programme, and this year we have increased the contributions even more. It is crucial that the measures we implement adequately reflect Ukraine’s needs and are aligned with the other international military support being provided to Ukraine,’ said Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram.

The Government proposed to increase the allocation to Ukraine by an additional NOK 5 billion for 2024, bringing the Norwegian contribution up to a total of NOK 27 billion. The new proposal means that civilian support will be increased to NOK 10 billion, and military support to NOK 17 billion. Greater military support will enable Ukraine to enhance its air defence and procure other essential equipment. The civilian support to Ukraine helps to maintain critical public functions while the country defends itself against Russia's attacks. Norway is also providing funding for essential repairs and investment in energy infrastructure that has been destroyed by Russian bomb attacks.

‘With only one-third of its energy supply available, Ukraine is facing a very difficult winter. This is a country where the temperatures drop far below freezing. Funding from Norway is also being used to ensure access to water, schooling and health services, and to support humanitarian efforts in the hardest-hit areas. This funding makes a difference in the daily lives of Ukrainians,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

The Government has proposed to allocate NOK 15 billion to Ukraine in 2025. This is the annual minimum amount under the Support Programme. In the Government’s budget proposal, this funding is to be divided equally between civilian and military support. The planned distribution of the military support for 2025 is currently as follows: NOK 2 billion for donations of military equipment from the defence sector, NOK 1.6 billion for training of Ukrainian personnel, NOK 1.4 billion for measures to increase defence production capacity in the defence industry and NOK 2.5 billion for other measures relating to military support throughout the year.