United to win: Norway commits $2.7 bln aid increase to Ukraine in 2025

In collaboration with the opposition, the Norwegian government is suggesting an increase in assistance to Ukraine for 2025, from the original 27 billion Norwegian kroner planned for this year to 30 billion kroner ($2.7 billion).

NRK reports this.

It is noted that this year, Norway allocated 27 billion Norwegian kroner to support Ukraine, but this amount was reduced to 15 billion Norwegian kroner in the country's draft state budget for 2025.

Therefore, the government met with parliamentary leaders in the Storting (Norwegian parliament) on Tuesday, November 26, to discuss further steps in supporting Kyiv.

After the meeting, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said the government proposes to double the aid offer to at least 30 billion Norwegian kroner.

"The situation in Ukraine is more serious. And we want Norway to be a clear and leading supporter of Ukraine's struggle," the Norwegian prime minister said.

In addition to military support for Ukraine, the government also wants the money to secure and increase Ukraine's electricity capacity and energy supply.

The proposal is now to be discussed in party groups.

According to NRK, Støre himself is traveling to Stockholm, where he will meet with the prime ministers of the Nordic and Baltic countries. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk will also attend the meeting.

"Support for Ukraine will be one of the topics at this meeting," Støre said.

So, the government has agreed to a new afternoon meeting with the parties in the Storting to conclude an agreement on Norwegian support for Ukraine on Thursday, November 28.

For reference:

Last year, Norway approved the 75 billion Norwegian kroner Nansen program, which provides long-term support to Ukraine until 2027, with 15 billion Norwegian kroner annually.

Earlier, it became known that Norway would allocate $118.8 mln to purchase necessary equipment and weapons for F-16 aircraft. Ukraine will receive the first fighters by the end of this year.

Norway is also preparing a 500 million euro new aid package for Ukraine, which will include F-16 combat aircraft and NASAMS air defense systems.