During a visit to Ukraine, Norwegian Defense Minister Arild Gramm criticized the Russian attacks on the civilian and critical infrastructure of our country. And he admitted that the visit to Kyiv struck him.
Norway will provide Ukraine with two NASAMS ground-based air defense systems in cooperation with the United States. Previously, the country provided equipment for these weapons and participated in the training of Ukrainian defenders. This was reported on the website of the Norwegian government.
Norway will provide Ukraine with two more NASAMS firing systems, previously such two systems were provided to Ukrainians by the United States. The government press service notes that the weapons have proven to be effective and have improved the ability of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to protect cities and critical infrastructure from enemy shelling. In addition, Norway also takes over the training of defenders to use these systems.
“Ukraine needs protection from missile attacks, and Norway will help,” said Norwegian Defense Minister Bjorn Arild Gramm.
It is reported that the country has previously provided NASAMS equipment and helped in training the operation of these installations. The Norwegian Ministry of Defense emphasizes that the support was highly appreciated and helped in protecting against missile attacks by the Russian Armed Forces.
“Continued Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure highlight the need to further improve Ukraine’s air defense. Ukraine has repeatedly asked international partners to provide more and better air defense systems,” Gramm explained.
Today, the Norwegian Minister of Defense met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv. The Ukrainian leader thanked the government, parliament and people of Norway for their help.
“Norway has been supporting Ukraine since the first day of a full-scale war and has done a lot for our soldiers to be strong on the battlefield. We appreciate it,” Zelensky said.
Meeting of Bjorn Arild Gram with Volodymyr Zelensky on March 10 in Ukraine
The Norwegian official admitted that he was amazed by the visit to Kyiv. He mentioned the losses of the Ukrainian people, both among civilians and the military.
“More than a year ago, the Russian regime launched a war against Ukraine. The consequences of the war were enormous. Tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilians and military personnel were killed. Millions were forced to flee their homes. Large parts of the country were reduced to rubble. The devastation is hard to comprehend. “Gram admitted.
Norway recently agreed on a multi-year Fritof Nansen program. According to it, the country will send 15 billion Norwegian kroner ($1.6 billion) annually until 2027 for humanitarian assistance. This year, half of the grant will go to military aid.
“Norway made a significant contribution to Ukraine after the Russian invasion, and Norway will continue its assistance in the coming years,” the Norwegian Minister of Defense stressed.
Recall that the plan for long-term support for Ukraine was approved by the Norwegian parliament Storting on February 16. In total, the country will spend NOK 75 billion in aid over 5 years. The funds will go to both military and civilian aid.
Earlier, on February 14, the Norwegian Ministry of Defense accepted the provision of 8 Leopard 2 battle tanks and 4 special tanks (bridge-laying or engineering vehicles) to Ukraine. Bjorn Arild Gram then said that the war in Ukraine “is approaching a critical phase” and the country needs significant support.
