Prime Minister Støre in Kyiv on third anniversary of the invasion:
Norway stands firm in its support to Ukraine
Press release | Date: 24/02/2025 | Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Today, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre is in Kyiv to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky on the third anniversary of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.
‘Today, we are paying tribute to the steadfast resilience of the Ukrainian people. Every day for the past three years, they have been fighting for their freedom. They are not just fighting for Ukraine, but also for the security of Europe as a whole, and for a world order based on international law and democratic values,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has invited a number of world leaders to Kyiv on 24 February to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s illegal invasion.
‘I am in Kyiv today, as the war enters its fourth year, together with other Nordic and European leaders, to show the Ukrainian people that we stand united behind them and remain firm in supporting Ukraine in its fight to defend itself,’ said Mr Støre.
Further donations to Ukraine
Prime Minister Støre is marking the third anniversary of the invasion together with colleagues from the Nordic and Baltic countries. Per capita, the Nordic and Baltic countries are among the largest donors of military support to Ukraine.
During the visit, Prime Minister Støre and the other world leaders will brief President Zelensky about further contributions of civilian and military support to Ukraine’s fight to defend itself. These include:
- Norway to provide NOK 12.5 billion in civilian support to Ukraine and Moldova
- Norway to increase support for Ukrainian defence industry and procurement of drones for Ukraine
- Norway to contribute equipment and training for a Ukrainian brigade
Prime Minister Støre: Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine
The visit comes after several days of reports of possible peace talks. Prime Minister Støre has been clear about Norway’s position on any potential talks.
‘Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. And nothing about Europe without Europe. Ukraine must be at the table for any peace negotiations. And Europe must be there too. Any peaceful solution must be just and sustainable, must ensure Ukraine’s freedom and independence, and must safeguard Ukraine against the risk of future Russian attacks,’ said Mr Støre.
The war in Ukraine and its outcome have major implications for European and transatlantic security.
‘In order to maintain Ukrainian resilience, it is critical for Norway and other countries to continue and increase their support to Ukraine. This applies both to military support and to civilian support, which is being used to provide humanitarian assistance and enhance energy security in the country. The war in Ukraine concerns us all. The outcome will have major implications for European and transatlantic security,’ Mr Støre said.
Norway providing substantial support to Ukraine
Norway has committed to providing a minimum of NOK 155 billion in support to Ukraine under the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine in the eight-year period from 2023 to 2030. All the political parties in the Storting have endorsed this support.
Of the NOK 35 billion currently allocated for 2025, NOK 22.5 billion will be provided as military support and NOK 12.5 billion as civilian support.
Norway also provided NOK 12 billion in support in the first phase of the war (2022–2023). This came in addition to the funding allocated under the Nansen Support Programme.