On Monday, January 12, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha welcomed his Norwegian counterpart, Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, in Kyiv.
Against the backdrop of Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during the winter cold, the key topics of the talks were energy support, defense cooperation, and strengthening air defense.
Norway announced a new support package of $400 million, which will be directed toward strengthening the energy sector—including gas purchases and equipment—as well as direct budgetary support to ensure social payments and other state expenditures.
During the talks, the foreign ministers outlined cooperation priorities for the year and held detailed discussions on a wide range of bilateral issues, including investment potential and the expansion of mutually beneficial partnerships in security, defense, and technology.
“Ukraine and Norway already have several joint defense projects, and it is no coincidence that leading Ukrainian defense companies participated in our discussions today. This is about collaborative, mutually beneficial cooperation,” Andrii Sybiha noted.
The ministers paid particular attention to strengthening Ukraine’s air defense as part of the European air shield, both bilaterally and with the involvement of other partners.
“Strengthening the protection of Ukrainian skies is not only about safeguarding lives but also an investment in peace and security for all of Europe,” the foreign minister emphasized.
During the talks, Andrii Sybiha briefed his counterpart on the progress of peace efforts with the United States and European partners and Ukraine’s readiness for the next steps. The ministers also discussed enhancing sanctions pressure on Russia and developing robust security guarantees for Ukraine.
“This war has lasted longer than the Soviet-German war. At the same time, the aggressor has not achieved a single strategic goal in nearly four years. Now is the time to unite all efforts to compel Moscow toward peace,” Andrii Sybiha stressed.
The Ukrainian foreign minister expressed deep gratitude to Norway for its significant contribution to the treatment of Ukrainian soldiers and discussed the further development and expansion of related programs.
Andrii Sybiha particularly highlighted Norway’s assistance during the winter period. According to the minister, the new energy support package announced today by the Norwegian government is very timely and will help strengthen the resilience of the state and society.
“This continues the steady energy support from Oslo. Last year, it was Norway that came to our aid when we urgently needed to purchase additional gas to get through the heating season,” the foreign minister noted.
In December, the Norwegian Parliament approved $8.3 billion to support Ukraine in 2026, maintaining last year’s level. Norway is a leader in the PURL initiative, with a total contribution of $850 million.
Andrii Sybiha noted that nearly $17 billion over two years represents a powerful support and contribution to security and peace across Europe.
The foreign ministers also exchanged views on a wide range of international issues, including events in Iran, Venezuela, and the seizure of tankers from Russia’s shadow fleet.
Andrii Sybiha specifically highlighted the personal role of Minister Espen Barth Eide in supporting Ukraine both bilaterally and on all international platforms, noting the excellent and close personal dialogue between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
