Norway

Britain is close to an agreement with the EU that will open access to the EU's €150 billion defense fund for British arms manufacturers. In exchange, Britain has made concessions on fishing rights.

Hungary can force the EU to lift sanctions against €210 billion of frozen Russian assets. This will remove the guarantee on loans to Ukraine and shift their coverage to EU and G7 taxpayers.

Naftogaz is preparing for the 2025/26 heating season, having contracted 1. 5 billion cubic meters of gas and raised about 430 million euros for import. The company is also modernizing generation and is looking for another billion euros for gas purchase.

Great Britain is significantly increasing the production of ammunition to reduce dependence on supplies from the US and France. By summer, the production of 155mm shells will increase 16 times.

The European Commission intends to present a detailed plan on May 6 to abandon Russian fuel by 2027. Delays are related to uncertainty regarding Trump's duties and energy trade.

EU finance ministers are discussing the creation of a European Defense Mechanism (EDM) for the joint procurement of weapons. Countries outside the EU, such as Ukraine, will be able to join the fund.

Norway will allocate 10 billion Norwegian kroner (822 million euros) for equipping and training a Ukrainian brigade. The brigade is being created jointly with the countries of Northern Europe and the Baltic States.

The UK will allocate £450 million to Ukraine for military aid. The package includes drones, radar systems, and increased funding for repairs.

The Defense Forces of Ukraine eliminated 1,210 Russian invaders in a day. The total losses of the Russian Federation in personnel exceeded 930,000, and a lot of enemy equipment was also destroyed.

Great Britain and Norway will provide 450 million pounds to finance the supply of drones, radar systems and anti-tank mines to Ukraine. The package will help finance the rapid delivery of UAVs.

Ukraine has signed an updated free trade agreement with the EFTA countries, which opens up new opportunities for business. The agreement includes modern rules of origin for goods and reduces barriers to market access for goods.

Oleksandr Nechytailo became the ambassador to China, and Andriy Melnyk became the representative to the UN. There were also changes in the embassies of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and others.

In 2025, Norway will provide 332 million euros to the Czech initiative for the purchase of ammunition and 83 million euros to the European Peace Facility. The funds will be used to purchase artillery ammunition.

EU finance ministers will discuss the creation of a joint EDM fund to purchase defense equipment. The fund will be able to include countries such as Great Britain, Ukraine and Norway.

Trump's customs program may confuse global supply chains, which will complicate the production of weapons and international efforts to counter China. This will hit the arms industry and relations with allies.

Norway does not plan to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention and criticizes Finland for its intention to do so. Norway has a modern defense system, so it is not concerned about changes.

European gas prices are stable, around €42 per megawatt-hour, as traders assess supply changes and the impact of a cool spring. Europe is replenishing storage after winter, requiring more fuel.

Norwegian skier Håvard Solås Taugbøl will end his career at the World Cup. He will join Team Ragde Charge, where he will compete alongside Stina Nilsson.

SpaceX has carried out the historic launch of Crew Dragon, which will for the first time fly over the Earth's poles. The Fram2 mission with a scientific purpose will last several days at an altitude of 450 km, there are no US citizens among the crew.

Representatives of parliaments from 17 EU countries and MEPs arrived in Kyiv. The visit is a symbol of support, solidarity and trust in Ukraine.

The Spectrum rocket, developed by Isar Aerospace, exploded shortly after launch from the Andøya spaceport. Despite the setback, the company called the test useful for future missions.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that Ukraine's level of accession to the EU's foreign policy decisions is high, which is an important criterion for negotiations. The opening of a new negotiation cluster is expected.

Kharkiv is under attack by enemy "shaheds", as reported by the city mayor Ihor Terekhov and the head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration Oleh Syniehubov. Residents are urged to remain in shelters.

A stabbing occurred in a residential building in the center of Trondheim. Four people were injured, one of them is in critical condition. Police have arrested a 40-year-old suspect.

The Ukrainian band Ziferblat will perform under number 5 with the song "Bird of Pray" in the first semi-final of Eurovision 2025. Along with Ukraine, Iceland, Poland, and other countries will perform in the semi-final.

In Paris, leaders discussed support for Ukraine, sanctions against Russia, and the creation of "deterrent forces. " Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of maintaining sanctions and the role of the United States in stopping the war.

Andriy Sybiha, during a visit to Kharkiv with colleagues from Norway, said that Russia seeks to continue the war. He stressed the need to increase pressure on Moscow.

EU countries increased gas purchases from Russia by 18% in 2024, despite sanctions. The European Commission plans to present a plan to abandon Russian energy.

Norway allocates an additional $95 million for gas imports to Ukraine through the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The funds will be used to purchase gas from Western sources for the needs of the population and enterprises.

Norway calls for clear agreements with Russia, taking into account the experience of previous negotiations. It is important to pay attention to details and be realistic.