Norway to train Ukrainian marines in small boat operations
Photo: Ministry of Defense of Norway
In spring 2024, the Norwegian military will start training Ukrainian marines to operate small boats, Rubryka reports, citing the Norwegian Ministry of Defense.
What's the problem?
During the nearly two-year-long war, Ukrainian forces have resisted the aggressor in the Black Sea using naval drones and rockets to target Russian ships. However, Ukraine's Navy needs reinforcement and training since Russia took away almost the entire fleet from Ukraine during the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Norway and the United Kingdom have established a maritime coalition to support Ukraine. This new alliance will supply ships and other means of transport to Ukrainian defenders for naval operations.
What's the solution?
Norwegian army will begin training Ukrainian marines to operate small boats as the defense of river arteries is also equally important.
"We must assist Ukraine in its efforts to keep trade routes in the Black Sea open. The goal is to strengthen Ukraine's maritime defense and enhance its ability to act along its own coast," said the Norwegian defense minister.
How does it work?
"These are operations with small boats. It's about coastal zones, river crossings, and things important for Ukraine in the overall enhancement of maritime capabilities," said Norway's defense minister, Bjørn Arild Gram.
The training is the first step in the maritime coalition led by Norway and the United Kingdom.
"We must make our contribution to changing the situation. Here, Norway can provide an experience that is in demand worldwide. Norway has developed good relations with Ukrainian marines through training in Norway, and now we are expanding this cooperation and establishing a special training program," Gram stated.
The training will last approximately a year and will begin in the Netherlands.
Norway will also provide inflatable boats with the necessary equipment for such operations, with a total value of 60 million Norwegian kroner (about €5 million).
In related news, Ukrainian border guards in the Kherson region received two large RIB boats from donors.
What do we know about Norway's assistance to Ukraine?
After meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in December, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced that Norway would provide additional support to Ukraine, including funding for increasing ammunition production, strengthening air defense, and supporting healthcare and education sectors.
Norway will allocate 1 billion kroner ($92 million) in humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
On October 11, Norway announced $18.5 million in financial assistance for demining in Ukraine.
Also, Ukraine and Norway have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector within the Nansen support program, which provides assistance to Ukraine in the amount of 75 billion kroner.
