Norway to donate mine clearance equipment to Ukraine
Press release | Date: 24/08/2023 | Last updated: 25/08/2023 | Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Defence
‘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, and there is an acute need for mine breaching equipment. With this donation, Norway is helping to strengthen Ukraine’s demining capabilities. This support is important and essential to Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
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.