KYIV (Dagbladet): When Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Ap) got off the train in Kyiv on Monday morning, he had 85 billion in his luggage. If not in cash, then at least in the form of promises.
- Now that I am here, I think it is natural to give signals about how Norway will continue to support Ukraine, says Støre to the press.
The government has recently finalized work on next year's state budget. The Støre government has reached the conclusion that it will propose continuing support for Ukraine of 85 billion kroner next year.
- After thorough discussions, we have come to the conclusion that we propose continuing the support at this year's level. It is a very high amount and brings the total Norwegian support for Ukraine to 275 billion so far, continues Støre.
- Decisive for Ukraine
On Monday morning, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed Støre to his official residence under clear, blue skies. After the two have had their meeting at the residence, they will hold a press conference.
- First of all, I would like to thank you for your visit to Ukraine today, which is also your birthday. Happy birthday, says Zelenskyj.
On behalf of the Ukrainian people, Zelenskyj thanks Norway for its support for Ukraine.
He highlights support for Ukrainian air defense.
"This has saved Ukrainian lives," Zelensky said.
On Sunday it became clear that Norway is contributing seven billion kroner to Ukrainian air defense. Norway and Germany will pay for two Patriot systems including missiles. In addition, Norway is contributing to the acquisition of air defense radars from the German manufacturer Hensoldt and air defense from Kongsberg.
According to Zelensky, the two discussed the situation on the battlefield, energy cooperation, security guarantees from the European Coalition of the Willing, and sanctions against Russia, among other things. He also thanked Norway for its focus on bringing home Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.
Questions about security guarantees
From the Ukrainian press, Støre is asked what security guarantees Norway can provide.
- The best security guarantee Norway can provide is to strengthen Ukrainian defense capabilities at all levels, says Støre.
Zelensky is also being asked by the Norwegian press about what security guarantees he needs from Norway.
- There are many aspects in which Norway contributes. One of these ways is air defense, training of soldiers and what concerns the maritime sector, says Zelenskyj.
Støre emphasizes that it is important to include the US in the security guarantees.
The proposal to continue support for Ukraine at the current financial level next year is an important contribution to peace and stability in Ukraine and in Europe, emphasizes Støre.
- We support Ukraine's fight for freedom, independence and democracy. It is crucial for Ukraine, but also important for our own security and safety in Norway and Europe. This is a significant contribution to our common future, says the Prime Minister.
If the Storting adopts the budget proposal for 2026, the support from 2025, which is also NOK 85 billion, will be continued. The Norwegian support is provided through the Nansen Programme.
Wants broad support
According to Støre, the bulk of next year's Ukraine aid, 50 billion, will go to the defense side, i.e. military support. Some will also go to civilian support.
- This means that Norway's support for the Ukrainian energy sector in particular can be continued. But also a number of other humanitarian and civilian initiatives.
The distribution of the remaining funds has not been finally decided and will be the subject of discussion with the parties in the Storting.
The state budget will be presented in early October. Assuming the government is re-elected, Støre says he will invite the parties in the Storting to discuss this support for Ukraine.
- We have a general, broad agreement on support for Ukraine. So I will do that formally and listen to whether the others can also support that amount.
Played Hurray for you
Prime Minister Støre was welcomed at the train station in Kyiv by a number of Ukrainian leaders:
Among others, Zelenskyi's chief of staff Andrij Jermak, Ukraine's foreign minister Andrij Sybiha and Ukraine's ambassador to Norway Oleksiy Havrysh.
Støre turns 65 today, and the Ukrainians marked his birthday upon arrival - including with singing.
Hurray for those of you who are celebrating your birthday, yes, we would like to congratulate you, was played from the public address system on the platform as the Prime Minister got off the train and was greeted by the Ukrainian delegation.
On the signs that usually inform travelers of departure and arrival times, there was a message to Støre:
