– It was strong to talk to people who have been involved in digging up mass graves, Huitfeldt says over the phone from Kyiv in Ukraine.
Here she is with Storting President Masud Gharahkhani (Labor Party), after being invited by the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.
The reopening of the Norwegian Embassy in Kyiv was on the agenda. The two were also given a tour of one of the many hard-hit areas in the capital.
It made a strong impression, says the foreign minister.
– When you see rooms with the wallpaper and the bedroom decor that have been bombed to pieces… I have been in war-torn areas before, but it is especially when I know that it just happened.
GRAPHIC: During the visit to Ukraine, Gharahkhani and Huitfeldt were shown pictures of killed people. Photo: Ukrainian Parliament Press Office / NTB
sea view
She describes sandbags placed in front In the bombed-out residential areas, Huitfeldt spoke to people who have felt the war directly on their bodies.
– They told that «here my family lived», «where my English teacher worked». It’s getting close.
– Warm-hearted encounters
She describes a very special atmosphere in the streets that stretches between the torn homes.
– With the exception of the plane alarm, it is very, very quiet. People speak slowly, no one shouts. The atmosphere is friendly and characterized by warm-hearted meetings, says Huitfeldt.
CLOSE UP: Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt (Labor Party) believes it is very important that Norway contributes to the reconstruction of the war-torn country. Photo: Ukrainian Parliament Press Office / NTB
sea view
The Foreign Minister also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. According to Huitfeldt, the conversation was about Norway’s contribution and the organization of aid for reconstruction.
– The destruction is enormous, it is difficult to imagine. Everyone is talking about coming back to Kyiv and rebuilding the country, so it is important that we also contribute to it.
Silence about weapons
On Sunday, the government announced that the Norwegian contribution will be increased by NOK 100 million – to a total of NOK 300 million.
– It is important that we are well coordinated with other countries, both in terms of reconstruction, but also contributions in other ways – such as weapons support.
TALKED TOGETHER: Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt and President of the Storting Masud Gharahkhani during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj in Kyiv, Ukraine on Sunday 8 May. Photo: UD / NTB
sea view
– Was there a desire on the part of Ukraine for further arms deliveries from Norway?
– I will not comment on that until something has been decided, but we are in continuous dialogue about these issues.
– Are you left with any new perspectives after the conversations with the political leaders and the people you met?
– Now I am so full of impressions that it is difficult to digest, so I may have to come back to that.
– Not sure what will happen tomorrow
On Sunday, large parts of Europe hoisted the flag to mark the day when Nazi Germany’s military forces capitulated in 1945.
Monday 9 May is Russia’s Liberation Day.
There is great excitement about how President Vladimir Putin will mark the day.
Also read: Russia and May 9: – Two opposite scenarios
