The Russian forces have laid extensive minefields to prevent the Ukrainian forces from breaking through the front lines. These minefields are making Ukraine’s fight against the Russian invading forces extremely difficult. The Ukrainian authorities have therefore requested support to be able to advance across the minefields.
Norway is providing substantial support to Ukraine in the fight against Russia’s illegal war. All the political parties in the Storting (Norwegian parliament) have endorsed the five-year Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine amounting to NOK 75 billion. Earlier this year, the Government announced that it is accelerating funding under the support programme and will provide an extra NOK 2.5 billion this year, bringing the total support in 2023 to NOK 10 billion.
The Government has assessed what equipment Norway can provide in the short term, and has decided to donate portable, explosive-based demining kits and explosive charges. These demining kits and explosive charges are used to create corridors through minefields. This equipment will be taken from the Norwegian Armed Forces’ repositories and replacement equipment will be procured.
The donation is being financed under the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine.
“Norway will continue to support Ukraine in the fight against the Russian invading forces for as long as is necessary. We have already donated military equipment requested by Ukraine, such as the NASAMS air defence system, artillery, artillery ammunition and tanks. Norway is also providing substantial assistance for the training of Ukrainian personnel, both in Norway and in other countries. It is vital that we continue to stand united in supporting Ukraine,” Mr Støre said.
Source – Norwegian Government
Norway to donate air defence missiles to Ukraine
Oslo, 25 August 2023
“Norway will continue to support Ukraine’s fight to defend itself against Russia for as long as it takes. Ukraine urgently needs more military support and equipment, in particular air defence missiles and ammunition. Norway is providing the support it can in this context,” said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Norway is providing substantial support to Ukraine in the fight against Russia’s illegal war. All the political parties in the Storting (Norwegian parliament) have endorsed the five-year Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine amounting to NOK 75 billion. Earlier this year, the Government announced that it is accelerating funding under the support programme and will provide an extra NOK 2.5 billion this year, bringing the total support in 2023 to NOK 10 billion.
Air defence is critical
Air defence is critical to Ukraine’s ability to protect the civilian population and front-line infrastructure and military units against Russian air attacks.
Air defence support has been a top priority for Ukraine since the start of the war. The air defence support provided by Norway and other Western countries has been vital in preventing Russia from taking control of the airspace, and has thus helped to avert further large-scale civilian suffering and military losses.
“Ukraine has already received substantial donations of air defence equipment from Western countries, but its needs in this area are enormous. Norway will continue to support Ukraine in its fight to defend itself against Russian forces. That is why we are now making this donation of air defence missiles. This is one of the largest Norwegian donations of military equipment to Ukraine to date,” said Mr Støre.
The missiles can be deployed from launchers to be donated by Sweden.
The missiles being donated will be taken from the Norwegian Armed Forces’ repositories and replacements will be procured. This will be financed under the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine.
Norway has previously donated the NASAMS air defence system and Mistral air defence missiles to Ukraine.
Source – Norwegian Government
Finland to deliver more defence materiel to Ukraine
Helsinki, 25 August 2023
Finland will send more defence materiel to assist Ukraine. The President of the Republic decided on the matter on 25 August 2023 on the proposal of the Government. This will be the 18th package of defence materiel to Ukraine.
Replacing the defence materiel capabilities contained in this package will cost Finland an estimated EUR 94 million. The combined replacement value of all defence materiel packages delivered so far is about EUR 1.3 billion.
“The support of Finland and our allies to Ukraine remains unwavering. The core issue in terms of the future security order in Europe and in Finland is to be able to curb Russia’s aggression against Ukraine,” says Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.
For operational reasons and to ensure that the assistance will reach its destination safely, further details on the content of the package, the way it is to be delivered or the schedule will not be given.
Both Ukraine’s needs and the resources of the Defence Forces have been taken into account when deciding on Finland’s additional assistance.
Source – Finnish Government