IRIA News

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Oslo on December 13, 2023, for a surprise visit to meet with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Norway announced $31 million worth of National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) for Ukraine during Zelenskyy’s visit.

The visit to Norway comes only a few days after international travel for Zelenskyy. The Ukrainian President visited Argentina to attend the inauguration of newly elected President Javier Milei and to Washington, where he met with U.S. President Joe Biden and top Congressional leaders.

“I am pleased to have the opportunity to welcome Volodymyr Zelensky to Norway. I look forward to our constructive talks,” Støre said. “Norway will continue to support Ukraine’s fight to defend itself. We are providing targeted, long-term support to assist Ukraine in its battle for freedom and democracy. Ukraine’s efforts are important to safeguarding freedom and security here in Norway as well,” he added in his statement after conducting a meeting with Zelenskyy.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced additional support for Ukraine and promised around $1 billion in co-financing to boost the production of artillery shells and missiles for Ukraine. He highlighted that Norway is also increasing financial and humanitarian support for Ukraine by almost $800 million.

“Ukraine is entering the third winter since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of its neighboring country,” Støre said in a statement adding, “When it comes to military support, Norway will now be providing more air defense equipment to protect Ukrainian cities against the Russian attacks.”

Norway also announced the disbursement of $273 million in budget support early next year through the Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund (URTF) under the World Bank.

NASAMS launch systems

The Norwegian government has announced the donation of eight more NASAMS launch systems and four more fire-direction units, which it says is the same number of systems as donated previously. According to the Norwegian Defense Ministry, the equipment can be sent “within a relatively short time” and will play a crucial in strengthening Ukrainian air defense against Russian attacks this winter.

Jointly developed by Norway’s Kongsberg Defense and U.S.’s Raytheon Technologies, NASAMS is a short- to medium-range system that has been used profoundly by Ukraine during the war to contain Russia’s aerial attacks. Earlier in March, Norway said it would provide two firing units in cooperation with the U.S., in addition to two systems supplied by the U.S. in 2022.

During his visit to the Norwegian parliament, and meeting with King Harald V of Norway, the Ukrainian President expressed his gratitude to the Norwegian people and the Royal Family for their support. He said that he was “grateful for all decisions that helped Ukraine on the battlefield and protected the lives of Ukrainians across our country, as well as ensured long-term support.”

Nordic-Ukraine summit

While in Norway, Volodymyr Zelenskyy participated in the Nordic-Ukrainian Summit alongside distinguished leaders, including Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, Icelandic Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. The summit, skillfully orchestrated by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, served as a pivotal forum for diplomatic exchanges.

The second Ukraine – Northern Europe Summit is happening right on time.

Our European way of life is based on respect to communities, countries, and people. We need to protect it from an opposing Russian system where one person starts wars and sacrifices hundreds of thousands of… pic.twitter.com/uBmaqXpPoK

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 13, 2023

During the summit, Zelenskyy received assurances from the heads of Nordic governments, who pledged unwavering support for Ukraine. Their commitment extended both individually and collectively as a region, reaffirming dedication within the framework of international formats and platforms. This diplomatic collaboration underscores a shared commitment to bolster Ukraine’s position and foster international cooperation.