Armed Forces of Ukraine offered Scandinavian countries to train a battalion each

26 September, 2024 Military of Finland. Photo: Ministry of Defense of Finland Northern European countries were offered to train a Ukrainian battalion each.

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported that the Northern Brigade project was created for this purpose. Within the initiative, each Northern European country can also arm a battalion. Ukraine has already invited Norway to join the Nordic Brigade project during a meeting with Anne Marie Aanerud, Norwegian Ministry of Defense Secretary of State.

During the Nordic Defense Industry Seminar, the Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine also called on the arms directors of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Norway to bilateral cooperation and investment in the Ukrainian defense industry.

"By joining the Northern Brigade project, defense companies and Nordic countries will have the opportunity to demonstrate the effectiveness of Nordic defense products on a real battlefield. Let's join forces for a common victory," Oleksandr Balanutsa told the participants of the event. On the sidelines of the seminar, the Ukrainian delegation met with representatives of defense industry companies such as NAMMO, Fjord Defense, FLIR UAS, Kongsberg, Equipnor, Norlense, and Rheinmetall.

In addition, the delegation of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense conveyed to the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs representatives and the Ministry of Defense the need for increased assistance from partner countries. The parties discussed Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration and increasing assistance to Ukraine under the Nansen program. "Norway remains committed to supporting Ukraine.

The intention of the Norwegian government to extend the Nansen Support Program until 2030 and to allocate an additional NOK 5 billion this year for Ukraine is a testament to this. Despite all the complexity of the situation on the battlefield, we believe in Ukraine's victory," Anne Marie Aanerud assured. Recently, the Norwegian government also proposed to increase support for Ukraine by NOK 5 billion (EUR 425 million) this year and to provide at least NOK 15 billion (EUR 1.275 billion) a year until 2030.

Norwegian assistance is provided under the Nansen Program.

This is a collective term for Norwegian support to Ukraine, both military and civilian.