Lars Lutje Schipholt

I had a very warm, meaningful, and productive meeting with Norway’s Prime Minister @jonasgahrstore. Throughout all three years of this war, Norway has stood firmly by our side – the side of protecting life – and all Ukrainians deeply appreciate it. Today, the Prime Minister and I discussed our joint efforts to achieve a dignified and durable peace for Ukraine, backed by robust security guarantees. We also talked about our joint diplomatic work and concrete steps to strengthen our defense capabilities – air defense, ammunition, investments in Ukraine’s defense industry, and mutually beneficial joint production projects that we can launch and develop. All of this will truly enhance security for our nations and for all of Europe. We are deeply grateful to the people, parliament, and government of Norway for the support provided – especially for the decision to nearly triple the volume of assistance to Ukraine, bringing it to nearly $8 billion. These funds will be directed toward the procurement and production of drones, shells, and artillery – everything that significantly helps our warriors and will ultimately force Russia to shift toward a diplomatic path to ending the war.

I spoke with Norwegian Prime Minister @jonasgahrstore. I thanked him for today’s unanimous decision by the Norwegian parliament @Stortinget to increase Norway’s aid to Ukraine this year from $3.2 billion to $7.7 billion. This is a timely and necessary decision that should serve as an example for all our partners. The funds will be partly directed towards weapons production in Ukraine and strengthening our energy security. Thus, Ukraine’s negotiating positions on the path to a just and lasting peace will become even stronger. I am grateful to Norway for demonstrating responsibility and readiness to increase its contribution to peace and stability in Europe.