Norway approves direct arms sales to Ukraine
Kyiv • UNN
Norway will allow its defense industry to sell weapons directly to Ukraine starting in 2024, which will increase support in the war with Russia.
The Norwegian government has decided to allow direct sales of weapons and defense products from the Norwegian defense industry to Ukraine's defense agencies. This policy change will come into force on January 1, 2024, UNN reports.
In the extraordinary security situation that has developed as a result of Russia's aggressive war, it is crucial that we continue to support Ukraine. Supporting Ukraine is important for the security of Norway and Europe. We have to plan for the possibility of a continuation of the illegal war of aggression. The government has therefore decided to allow direct sales of arms and defense-related products from the Norwegian defense industry to Ukraine
The government press release also noted that Norwegian military support for Ukraine is part of a broader international allied effort.
"This change means that we, together with our allies, are defending the fundamental interests of Norway's defense and security policy. The government is using a number of tools to promote the important role of the defense industry in the current security situation," says Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.