Norwegian foreign minister on investments in Ukraine's defence industry, technology exports and Trump
There is a special place for Ukraine among the Nordic countries - Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland. These nations have provided Ukraine with EUR15.5 billion in aid, including modern F-16 fighter jets, NASAMS air defence systems and initiatives like the "Danish model," where foreign states fund weapons production within Ukraine's defence industry. But within this Nordic quartet, the contributions vary significantly.
The main concern lies with Norway, the wealthiest country in Northern Europe and a major exporter of oil and gas, yet it ranks last among the four in terms of support. This disparity has drawn criticism from Norway's neighbours and the country's opposition, prompting an increase in aid volumes. Still, the support remains seemingly disproportionate.
Advertisement: Sevgil Musaieva, editor-in-chief of Ukrainska Pravda, has discussed this and more with Espen Barth Eide, Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs. Read more in the article - Trump listens to allies more than anyone expected.
An interview with the Norwegian Foreign Minister. In Norway, all political parties support aid to Ukraine year after year. The recent increase in aid was unanimously approved by parliament and enjoys strong public backing.
Even extreme right- or left-wing parties, while more critical, continue to support the "Nansen Program for Ukraine." This trend is expected to persist. The "Nansen Program" is currently set to run through 2030, with a decision already made to extend it beyond that timeframe. This support covers both wartime and peacetime needs.
Approximately 50% of aid is allocated for military support and 50% for civilian assistance. However, during this intense phase of the war, the military aid share is higher. For the next year, Norway has allocated 35 billion kroner (around EUR3 billion) for Ukraine.
Importantly, this is a minimum threshold, not a cap. The programme allows for flexibility, so the amount could increase.
By 2025, Norway's aid will reach its highest level to date, reflecting both its financial capacity and commitment to doing the right thing. Ukraine's needs in the military sector are substantial, including F-16 fighter jets, air defence systems, and ammunition.
Norway has also opened pathways for exporting technologies and licenses to Ukraine. Like Denmark, Norway is preparing to invest in Ukraine's defence industry. Norway closely monitors developments in the United States.
A few months ago, there was concern that former President Trump might quickly cut support for Ukraine. However, Minister Eide is now less convinced of this scenario. During a recent visit to Washington, Eide noted an intriguing shift: Russia's engagement of North Korean forces was seen as a strategic error.
This move highlighted for US policymakers, the interconnectedness of the Asian security theater and the war in Ukraine. A rapid withdrawal of support from Ukraine could worsen the battlefield situation, potentially portraying Trump as weak. This outcome would be problematic not only for Ukraine but also for Trump himself.
There is a sense that Trump listens to allies more than expected. Western countries are learning about modern warfare against a high-tech adversary directly from Ukraine. Ukraine's advancements in drone warfare are particularly impressive.
This includes not only drones but also secure communications that ensure uninterrupted and interference-free control of these devices.
Today, Ukraine stands at the forefront of military innovation.
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