'This visit is important to show that Norway will continue to support Ukraine in the Russian war of aggression. Ukrainian energy facilities are subjected to targeted Russian attacks daily, and Norway will also contribute to maintaining energy production in the future. Economic support for the purchase of gas and technical equipment that can be used in Ukraine’s energy supply contributes to this,' says Minister of Energy Terje Aasland.

A central theme of the visit is that Norway and Ukraine have much to learn from each other, particularly regarding energy preparedness. Over nearly five years of war, Ukraine has built a resilient civil society. Preparedness and securing critical infrastructure, such as energy facilities, are areas where Ukraine has developed unique expertise that Norway can learn from.

Norwegian Minister of Energy, Terje Aasland, travels by train to Ukraine.
Norwegian Minister of Energy, Terje Aasland, travels by train to Ukraine. Credit: Arvid Samland/Energidepartementet

In Norway, the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) is responsible for preventive safety and preparedness in the power supply. This involves ensuring the supply of power so that society can function even in a crisis situation, by providing a robust power supply and stable electricity delivery. Both Director General of Water Resources and Energy Kjetil Lund and NVE’s Director of Preparedness Kristian Markegård are participating in the visit to Ukraine to bring back Ukrainian experiences to Norway.

Energy Central to the Nansen Program

'In 2026, the civilian part of the Nansen Program will provide 15 billion NOK in support to Ukraine. Energy is the largest single component of this support, with nearly 5 billion NOK, underscoring how important it is to keep Ukraine’s energy sector running. In addition, it is important to highlight Norway’s power sector, which has voluntarily donated equipment to Ukraine since 2022,' says Aasland.

Earlier this year, Norway and Ukraine signed a joint declaration on a strategic partnership, the so-called Ellisiv Declaration. Energy is a central part of this partnership.