Norway to allocate $900 million for arming and training Ukrainian brigade

Norway will allocate over 900 million dollars for the armament and training of a brigade of Ukrainian soldiers, according to the Norwegian Ministry of Defence.

At the end of February, the Norwegian Ministry of Defence announced that the Nordic and Baltic countries, at Ukraine’s request, would train and equip a Ukrainian brigade. It was noted that the exact size of the brigade had not yet been determined, but it would consist of flexible units that Ukraine could deploy as needed.

"Norway will allocate ten billion Norwegian kroner (approximately 940 million dollars) for the armament and training of the Ukrainian brigade," the press release on the government’s website states, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

According to Norway's Minister of Defence, Tore Sandvik, these funds will be used, among other things, to purchase ammunition and equipment from Ukraine and other countries. In addition, Oslo will provide its own equipment.

In February, Norway's Supreme Commander, Eirik Kristoffersen, stated that the Norwegian armed forces would conduct fewer military exercises for Norwegian soldiers in 2025, prioritizing the training of the Ukrainian brigade and the replenishment of weapon stockpiles.

Russia believes that arms supplies to Ukraine hinder conflict resolution, directly involve NATO countries in the conflict, and are "playing with fire." Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has noted that any shipments containing weapons for Ukraine will become legitimate targets for Russia. According to him, the US and NATO are directly involved in the conflict, not only by supplying arms but also by training personnel in the UK, Germany, Italy, and other countries. The Kremlin has stated that the West’s arming of Ukraine does not contribute to negotiations and will have a negative effect.