Norway will start a training course for Ukrainian marines on conducting operations with small boats starting from the spring, and will also provide Ukraine with such boats equipped accordingly.
This training initiative is Norway's contribution within the framework of the "maritime coalition," which it leads among countries in the Ramstein format along with Britain, reported by NRK.
"Norway has already established good cooperation with Ukrainian marines during training in Norway. Now we are taking another step forward and launching a special training programme," said Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.
Marines will be trained to operate in coastal areas and river crossings, adapting to the conditions they will face in Ukraine.
"We aim to assist Ukraine in its efforts to keep trade routes in the Black Sea open. Our goal is to strengthen Ukraine's maritime defense and its ability to operate along its own shores," he added.
Additionally, Norway will provide inflatable boats with the necessary equipment for conducting such operations, with a total value of 60 million Norwegian kroner (approximately 5 million euros).
The training will last for about a year, with the initial phase taking place in the Netherlands.