Long-term support for Ukraine is vital

‘Norway’s long-term support to Ukraine, provided under the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine, has been endorsed by all the parties in the Storting. As Ukraine now enters its fifth year of full-scale war, it is vital that Ukraine receives the military support it needs to be able to continue to defend itself,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Kyiv.

NOK 70 billion in military support

In 2026, Norway will provide NOK 85 billion in support to Ukraine. NOK 70 billion of this will be provided as military support and NOK 15 billion as civilian support.

‘The Ukrainians themselves know best what they need. In close consultation with the Ukrainian authorities, the Government has now decided how Norway’s military support to Ukraine for 2026 is to be targeted. The funding will be used in areas where it will achieve maximum effect for Ukraine,’ said Mr Støre.

In order to support Ukraine in its fight to defend itself, the Government has decided to give priority to drones, air defence and artillery ammunition, as well as the efforts to train and equip a Ukrainian brigade. Allocations for these purposes that were decided in 2025, amounting to approximately NOK 11.5 billion, will be implemented in 2026.

The Government has identified the following main priorities for Norway’s military support to Ukraine in 2026:

• Drones and autonomous systems: over NOK 12 billion
• Air defence systems and F-16 fighter jets: approximately NOK 9 billion
• Maritime security: approximately NOK 6 billion
• Joint Nordic-Baltic and Polish brigade initiative: approximately NOK 3.5 billion
• Training of Ukrainian personnel: approximately NOK 5 billion
• International cooperation mechanisms and strategic projects: over NOK 8 billion

‘It is important to emphasise that these priorities may need to be adjusted in the course of the year if the situation on the ground in Ukraine calls for it. If this is the case, any adjustments will be made in close cooperation with the Ukrainians themselves,’ said Mr Støre.

NOK 15 billion has also been set aside to provide flexibility so as to be able to respond to needs as they arise in the course of the year.

Drones and autonomous systems

‘Drones and other systems that can operate autonomously have proved to be essential in this war, and have been identified as a top priority by the Ukrainian authorities. Air defence systems are also crucial to protect the hard-pressed Ukrainian people against Russian aerial attacks,’ said Mr Støre.

Air defence has been a high priority in Norway’s military support to Ukraine for a number of years.

Training of Ukrainian soldiers

On Monday, Prime Minister Støre visited Camp Jomsborg in Poland, where Norway, the other Nordic and Baltic countries, and Poland are working together to equip and train a Ukrainian brigade-level unit. Norway and the other participating countries are providing equipment for two brigade-sized Ukrainian units.

‘Together with our partners, we are helping to build up a Ukrainian brigade. The brigade is receiving training in line with NATO standards. Ukraine needs to strengthen and enhance the effectiveness of its most operational units on the front line,’ said Mr Støre.

Norway is helping to train Ukrainian soldiers both in Norway and in third countries in Europe. This is an important contribution to enabling Ukraine to continue to defend itself on the front lines.

‘At the same time, Norwegian personnel learn a great deal from the Ukrainian soldiers and their experience at the front, and bring these lessons back to Norway with them to develop our own defence capabilities,’ Mr Støre said.

Nordic and Baltic countries

Prime Minister Støre is visiting Ukraine together with the heads of state and government of the other Nordic and Baltic countries.

‘This visit sends an important signal that the Nordic and Baltic countries stand together in supporting Ukraine,’ said Mr Støre.

Norway’s support is provided as part of a broad-based collaboration with Allies and partners. Norway also provides support directly to the Ukrainian defence industry.

‘It is crucial that Ukraine receives the support it needs to be able to defend itself and ensure that it is in the strongest possible position in the event of a future ceasefire,’ said Mr Støre.

During the visit to Kyiv, Prime Minister Støre will also participate in political talks on support for Ukraine and the ongoing peace negotiations. Mr Støre reiterated that any future peace agreement in Ukraine must be backed up by genuine security guarantees, supported by both Europe and the US.

‘A multinational force for Ukraine and long-term defence cooperation will be key to achieving a solution. Europe as a whole has a responsibility to contribute. Ukraine has been ready at the negotiating table for some time, but Russia has shown no willingness to engage in real negotiations,’ Mr Støre said.