Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Ap) is in Kyiv on Monday - where, among other things, he will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj and Prime Minister Julija Svyrydenko.

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Støre arrived in the Ukrainian capital early this morning by night train from Poland. At the train station, Hurra for deg was played on the loudspeakers in honor of Støre, who turns 65 today.

The visit comes after Støre received an invitation by phone from President Zelenskyj on Tuesday last week. And Støre has taken the time to take a short break from the Norwegian election campaign.

He will also meet the Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko.

Støre emphasizes the importance of Ukraine's European friends, and the United States, being visibly present to show support for Ukraine. Visible in a double sense, both in ensuring that aid to Ukraine reaches them, and in being politically present to be able to talk to the Ukrainian leadership.

– Important to show support

– There is a full-scale war going on in Europe. Over the past six months, Russia has further escalated its drone and missile attacks against Ukraine. At a crucial time for Ukraine, it is important to show support for Ukraine's defense struggle. Norway supports Trump's initiative for a peace process and work on security guarantees. It is crucial that the pressure on Russia is maintained and increased, says Støre.

– I therefore found it right to accept this invitation.

This is the fourth time Støre has visited Ukraine since the invasion war began.

Wide support

Norway provides broad support to Ukraine on the defense front, including defense equipment.

– From the start, we have tried to prioritize Ukraine's wishes, and we set very strict requirements that what we deliver is something they actually need and can use, says Støre.

– We have now delivered most of what we can from Norwegian warehouses, so now it is also about being strategic in how we contribute to procurement for the Ukrainian army.

On Sunday, it was announced that Norway is providing 7 billion kroner for Ukrainian air defense. Norway, together with Germany, will pay for two Patriot systems including missiles.

Støre also points out that Norway, together with Finland and the Baltic countries, is in the process of building a Ukrainian brigade that Norway is financing.

– This war, with its heavy casualties and attacks on civilians, is first and foremost a great tragedy for Ukraine. But this is also a priority for us because there is more at stake. For Europe, and therefore also for us.