Prime Ministers of Norway and Poland visit Norwegian and Ukrainian soldiers at Camp Jomsborg

‘For the past four years, the Ukrainian people have been fighting for freedom, independence and democracy. Here at this camp Ukrainian soldiers are receiving training and equipment before being deployed to the front. The training is adapted to Ukraine’s immediate needs and is an important contribution to Ukraine’s fight,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Led by Norway

Operation Legio is led by Norway, in close cooperation with Poland and the other Nordic and Baltic countries. The operation provides support in the form of training and equipment to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

‘We stand together in supporting Ukraine. This operation shows that the participating countries have the capacity and willingness to support Ukraine in its legitimate fight to defend itself and to help ensure that Ukraine is in the strongest possible position in the event of a future ceasefire,’ said Mr Støre.

Today, Prime Minister Støre and Prime Minister Tusk were able to see the training at the camp first-hand and to meet Ukrainian soldiers, as well as Norwegian and Allied instructors.

‘It was inspiring to meet soldiers who will be travelling straight from the camp to the front lines. I thanked them for fighting this battle on behalf of all of us. I would also like to acknowledge the work being done by the instructors. Theirs is a crucial, highly meaningful task,’ said Mr Støre.

Brigade cooperation

The support to equip and train Ukrainian brigades is being provided in response to a request from Ukraine. Norway, together with the other Nordic and Baltic countries, took the initiative to follow up the request, and Poland provided the site for the training camp. Training began last summer, and the camp now has capacity for up to 1 000 soldiers.

As a part of a cooperation project to equip and train a scalable Ukrainian unit, Norway is donating both military equipment from its own reserve stockpiles and equipment procured from the Ukrainian defence industry, as well as providing training. Norway and the other participating countries are providing equipment for two brigade-sized Ukrainian units.    

‘It is vital to tailor our support to meet Ukraine’s needs. Ukraine has identified the most operational units fighting on its front line and these units need to be strengthened. By means of training and donations of equipment, we will make these units more effective,’ said Mr Støre.

Joint initiative

In October 2025, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Sweden and Ukraine signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Operation Legio.

Under this agreement, the participating countries are providing training, equipment and expertise that make it possible to build up a Ukrainian brigade in line with modern standards and NATO practices.

‘Some of the Ukrainian soldiers come to the camp with direct experience from the front line, and they return to the front with equipment and training from our soldiers. Our own personnel then bring this experience back to Norway to develop our own defence capabilities. The learning goes both ways,’ said Mr Støre.  

Bilateral meeting

The two Prime Ministers also held a bilateral meeting in Poland today.

‘Poland is one of the largest countries in the EU and an important partner and ally to Norway. Our two countries cooperate closely on defence and security policy. Operation Legio here in Poland is an example of this close cooperation,’ said Mr Støre.

Norway is a major supplier of natural gas to Poland, and last year, the two countries agreed on a strategic energy partnership, which provides an important framework for enhancing trade, industrial cooperation and security.