Norway to contribute equipment and training for a Ukrainian brigade

• Норвегія надасть оснащення та здійснить 
  підготовку солдатів українсь кої військової бригади (PDF)

‘Every day for the past three years, the Ukrainian people have been fighting for their freedom. They are not just fighting for Ukraine, but for the security of Europe as a whole and for a world order based on international law and democratic values. In order to maintain Ukrainian resilience, it is critical that Norway and other countries continue and increase their support,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Norway is joining the other Nordic and Baltic countries in a pledge to provide equipment and training for a Ukrainian brigade.

Prime Minister Støre: Based on Ukraine’s needs

‘Since the start of the war in 2022, Norway has based its military and civilian support to Ukraine on Ukraine’s needs. The Norwegian Government has attached great importance to ensuring that the support from Norway reflects what Ukraine needs most in its fight to defend itself against Russia. The brigade that we, together with our Nordic and Baltic Allies, have pledged to deliver, follows up a request from Ukraine. The brigade will be established in close cooperation with Ukraine and the countries involved,’ said Mr Støre.

A brigade is a military sub-division that typically consists of 3–4 combat battalions and various support elements such as engineer and medical support units, and that can have anywhere from 3 000 to 5 000 soldiers. The full size of the Ukraine brigade has not yet been determined.

‘The Norwegian Armed Forces are already providing training to Ukrainian soldiers in Norway, the UK and Germany. Now we will help to organise and carry out the training of an even greater number of soldiers,’ said Mr Støre.

The brigade will be made up of flexible elements that Ukraine can deploy in line with its needs.

Norway to be responsible for training

Norway will be in charge of the practical planning of training activities for the soldiers who will be serving in the brigade. The countries involved are currently drawing up a more detailed overview of the relevant equipment and training they will be able to provide. Efforts relating to the brigade will be coordinated in close consultation with Ukraine.

‘Norway and the other Nordic and Baltic countries have each identified the types of equipment they can provide that will be of relevance to this brigade. Norway plans to donate equipment from its own reserve stockpiles as well as military equipment we purchase directly from the Ukrainian defence industry. Among other things, we are considering donating equipment to infantry, medical and engineer units. The final decision on Norway’s contributions must be viewed in connection with the deliveries to be provided by other Allies, and the effort to realise the Long-term Defence Plan,’ said the Prime Minister.

The overall budget for Norway’s support to the brigade has not yet been decided, and the Government will come back to this at a later date. Norwegian support for the brigade will be funded under the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine.

Norway providing substantial support to Ukraine

Norway has committed to providing a minimum of NOK 155 billion to Ukraine under the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine for 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 funds allocated under the Nansen Support Programme.

• Norwegian support to Ukraine and neighbouring countries - regjeringen.no
• Greater and more long-term support to Ukraine