As part of the official visit to the Kingdom of Norway, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with the Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre. The head of the state expressed gratitude to Norway and the Prime Minister personally for their global leadership in supporting Ukraine.
"Your decisions and actions are not just timely and significant; they serve as an example for others—an example of leadership. When there are not just indifferent individuals but an entire society that cares. And when there are not just isolated strong personalities advocating the necessity of assistance in defense against genocidal aggression but when the resilience of the entire state is felt. Norway is truly on the side of freedom and the normal, peaceful rules of life," said President Zelensky during a meeting with representatives of the media following the negotiations with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo.
Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, the government, and the parliament of Norway, as well as Norwegian society for the assistance Ukraine receives.
The leaders discussed support for Ukrainian defense, resistance to attempts to block navigation in the Black Sea by Russia, the protection of Ukrainian settlements from Russian terror, and also assessed the overall progress and prospects of bilateral cooperation.
The President spoke about another strike by Russia with ballistic missiles on civilian objects in Ukraine, resulting in more than 50 civilians being affected. Therefore, according to his words, strengthening the air defense remains a critical priority for Ukraine.
"This is literally the foundation of life now for most Ukrainians - air defense. Norway has supported us, including with the NASAMS systems. Norway became the first country to adopt a long-term support program for Ukraine. And today, we have talked and will continue to talk about concrete things that can save thousands of Ukrainian lives next year and increase pressure on the aggressor," said Volodymyr Zelensky.
The President also emphasized the importance of the summit of Northern European countries, which will take place today in Oslo.
"Ukraine truly values such a working format - 'Ukraine + five.' Thank you for your help in defending our country, our people, our families," said the Head of State.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre assured of further assistance to Ukraine and reminded of the five-year package of support for Ukrainian defense, economy, and reconstruction. In particular, Norway today announces additional support for Ukraine.
"President Zelensky and his government must pay doctors, teachers, and other workers. And we can provide assistance of $1 billion in 2023. We are also strengthening our financial and humanitarian support by nearly $800 million. In addition, we can announce that from the first months of 2024, we will provide direct economic support to these critically important areas to ensure no delays in assistance to the Ukrainian people," he noted.
Jonas Gahr Støre announced that Norway aims to strengthen the protection of Ukraine's critical infrastructure by providing additional means of air defense. There is also an increase in co-financing with European partners in the defense industry to produce a greater quantity of ammunition for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Additionally, Norway is introducing a winter aid package, which includes the delivery of food, water, and warm clothing.
"We will continue to support Ukraine's right to defend itself and the key principles of international law," summarized the Prime Minister of Norway.
