UPDATE - Norway announces $8.5B in aid for Ukraine, backs security guarantees

ADDS FURTHER REMARKS BY UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday praised Norway for its continued assistance, saying the country’s financial and military support is critical for both surviving the winter amid Russian strikes on energy infrastructure and strengthening Ukraine’s long-term defense.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, visiting Kyiv, pledged a new aid package worth $8.5 billion and emphasized that a ceasefire should precede any peace talks.

At a joint press conference, Zelenskyy highlighted how Russia has been deliberately targeting Ukraine’s gas production sites and electricity facilities to hinder preparations for winter.

“Russia is trying to disrupt our preparations for winter by striking at our energy infrastructure. This applies not only to electricity generation and heat generation, but also to the production of our natural gas. Therefore, we extremely appreciate the assistance that Norway provides to Ukraine, specifically for the purchase of gas,” he said.

The Ukrainian president recalled that last winter, at least one million families were able to keep their homes heated thanks to cooperation with Norway.

Zelenskyy also cited Oslo's experience in coastal and maritime protection as areas of bilateral cooperation on which Ukraine intends to continue working with Norway.

He went on to say that he will meet with US envoy Keith Kellogg later on Monday to discuss preparations for a potential meeting with the Russian side, as well as announce a meeting between the Ukrainian and American teams at the end of the week.

He added that Oslo’s decision to continue financing gas purchases this year would again be crucial. “The challenges remain significant, and we are very much looking forward to Norway’s next steps,” Zelenskyy said.

Store, for his part, reassured that his country would continue to support Ukraine, announcing that he will propose an $8.5 billion allocation to Norway's parliament in 2026.

He stressed that Norway’s assistance will focus on meeting Ukraine’s needs directly, particularly in energy and defense.

“Strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities is a key guarantee of its security. Our principle is to respond to Ukraine’s needs, and we will continue to do so,” Store said.

The Norwegian premier underscored his backing for a ceasefire as a prerequisite for negotiations. “The shootings and killings must stop. It is my principle that a ceasefire is a normal prerequisite for serious talks,” he said, noting that such an idea was originally raised by the US.

He added that security guarantees for Ukraine must involve coordination between Europe and Washington. “Norway will be part of them. I think it will be an important component in training the Ukrainian army, strengthening air defense, and building long-term capacity,” he said.

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine looks forward to cooperating with Norway in air defense training and coastline protection.

“We believe that Norway has extensive experience in protecting the coastline and protecting the sea,” he said, describing such cooperation as an essential element of future security guarantees.