The Norwegian government has decided to permit direct sales of weapons and defense-related products from the Norwegian defense industry to the defense authorities in Ukraine. This policy change will enter into force on January 1 2024.

Russia’s war of aggression threatens Ukraine as a state and nation. Only a few days after Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, the Norwegian government decided to donate weapons and defense-related products to Ukraine. The government has since followed up with a series of donations in line with Ukraine’s needs.

‘In the extraordinary security situation resulting from Russia’s war of aggression, it is crucial that we continue to support Ukraine. Support for Ukraine is important for Norwegian and European security. We must plan for the possibility that the illegal war of aggression may be prolonged. The Government has therefore decided to permit direct sales of weapons and defense-related products from Norwegian defense industry to Ukraine,’ says Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide (Ap).

The Norwegian military support to Ukraine is part of a broad international effort among allies and partner countries. In short, Norway’s military support has been organised according to four main arrangements:

• Donations from own stocks
• Donations procured through international cooperation and fund mechanisms
• Donations procured directly from the defense industry
• Training of Ukrainian personnel