At the meeting, Mr Støre confirmed that Norway will contribute to international efforts to maintain peace in Ukraine once a ceasefire agreement is in place.

‘Norway supports the declaration from the Paris summit. The fact that the US and the members of the coalition will be working together to provide security guarantees for Ukraine is of vital importance,’ said Mr Støre.

The summit was hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. Representatives of 34 countries, the EU and NATO took part. The countries issued a joint declaration setting out the components of the security guarantees.

Components of the security guarantees

The declaration from the summit specifies five components to be included in the security guarantees for Ukraine.

  • Participation in a proposed US-led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism, including contributions from members of the Coalition of the Willing.
  • Support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
  • A Multinational Force for Ukraine.
  • Binding commitments to support Ukraine in the case of a future armed attack by Russia.
  • Commitment to deepen long-term defence cooperation with Ukraine.

‘Ensuring Ukraine’s ability to defend itself is the most essential security guarantee. The most important thing we can do to safeguard Ukraine’s security is to assist in training and building up the Ukrainian armed forces. Norway’s contribution will focus primarily on this,’ said Mr Støre.

This year, Norway will be providing NOK 85 billion in support to Ukraine under the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine.

Reconstruction 

Ukraine, the US and Europe have reached agreement on two key elements of a future peace settlement for Ukraine. The first is security guarantees, including commitments from the US and European countries to help to uphold peace in Ukraine once a ceasefire has been reached.

The second is a reconstruction plan involving commitments from the US and European countries to provide financial support for the reconstruction of Ukraine once the war is over.