The Norwegian Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, made an unanticipated visit to Kyiv, where he pledged nearly 600 million euros in support for Ukraine’s air defense systems, emphasizing Norway’s steadfast solidarity.
Unannounced Visit of the Norwegian Prime Minister to Kyiv
The Norwegian Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, arrived in Kyiv on Monday, August 25, unannounced. Andrij Yermak, head of the President’s Office, revealed the visit, stressing the importance of ally support for Ukraine and confirming Norway’s commitment to its citizens. “We significantly support the defense industry and appreciate this reliable solidarity. Welcome to Kyiv,” Yermak commented on Telegram. Norway had previously announced co-funding for Ukraine’s air defense systems, allocating nearly 600 million euros. These funds will be used to co-finance Patriot systems to be supplied by Germany.
Joint Aid for Ukraine
Oslo will provide funding to finance two defense systems and their required missiles. Støre emphasized that Norway, alongside Germany, will ensure Ukraine a highly effective air defense system. Details of the collaboration with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz were finalized in Berlin in July. Earlier this month, Germany’s government under Friedrich Merz announced the start of arms deliveries to Ukraine. The announcement of the 600 million euro pledge marks Norway’s contribution to these purchases. This is not the only joint action: Norway and Germany are also collaborating to acquire air defense radars from German manufacturers and another air defense system from Norway.
German Vice Chancellor: Putin Should Not Have Illusions
On Monday, German Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil also visited Kyiv. Upon arrival, he stressed that Vladimir Putin must recognize Germany’s unwavering support for Ukraine will not weaken. “Putin should not have illusions,” Klingbeil asserted. “On the contrary, we remain Ukraine’s second-largest global partner and its largest in Europe. Ukraine can continue to rely on Germany,” he added. Klingbeil emphasized the need to include Ukraine in peace talks and highlighted the necessity of a ceasefire and credible security guarantees for lasting peace.
Source: Gazeta, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/polityka/7, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/platforma-obywatelska#anchorLink](https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/platforma-obywatelska#anchorLink), https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/wojna-w-ukrainie#anchorLink](https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/wojna-w-ukrainie#anchorLink)
