Norway sends $140 mln to Ukraine to ensure electricity and gas supply

During a meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal underlined that Ukraine is grateful for unwavering military, financial, and sanctions support. 

The Head of Government and the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine announced that Norway would allocate NOK 1.5 billion (over $140 million) to ensure the supply of electricity and gas to Ukraine, Rubryka reports.

"I thanked [Norway] for its unwavering support to Ukraine: armed, financial, sanctions, in particular, for the five-year military and humanitarian aid program worth about €7 billion. Special thanks for the newly announced missiles for the IRIS-T air defense system, the opportunity to receive additional F-16 jets, funds to purchase gas before winter, and resources for the humanitarian sector," Shmyhal wrote.

According to him, Ukraine appreciates Norway's contribution to protecting Ukrainian skies from Russian attacks. This is what Ukrainians need most.

At the meeting, the Prime Ministers also touched upon the issue of food security and the grain corridor. They discussed Norway's participation in reconstruction and support programs for small and medium-sized businesses.

"Jonas Gahr Støre noted that Norway will continue to help Ukraine in energy, humanitarian demining, and participate in reconstruction. Norway supports EU sanctions against Russia and President Volodymyr Zelensky's peace formula," Shmyhal added.

Background

Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko and the delegation of Norway, led by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, visited one of the Ukrainian energy facilities in the country, which Russians repeatedly attacked.

During the visit, the minister showed the guests the damage caused to the energy facility by Russian strikes. The delegation also saw the works being carried out for its restoration.

Jonas Gahr Støre reported that the Norwegian government allocates NOK 1.5 billion to ensure the import of gas and electricity to Ukraine through the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

"The funds will be directed to the repair and maintenance of critical electric power infrastructure and emergency power supply in the areas affected by hostilities, as well as the purchase of gas for emergency storage," the statement reads.

As Rubryka reported, on August 24, during a joint press conference with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said that his country will allocate two F-16 fighter jets for training Ukrainian pilots and will consider the possibility of providing additional jets.

Also, Norway plans to speed up the production of NASAMS medium-range anti-aircraft missile systems and will convince its partners to transfer the systems they have to Ukraine.