Norway and Great Britain will lead a new coalition in which it is expected that many countries will participate.
Norway’s contribution to the strengthening of the Ukrainian navy involves both personnel, material and training. The price tag on the contribution is unclear, but the collaboration will last until 2035.
– We have a long-term perspective for many years to come. There are urgent needs here and now, but we must be able to think far ahead about how they will be able to defend themselves and develop their defense in line with Western standards, says Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.
NRK will meet him in London before the defense cooperation is to be presented on Tuesday morning.
Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram (Sp) says Norway is committing too long to building up Ukraine’s naval defences.
Photo: Håvard Blekastad Almås / NRK
Norway and Great Britain already cooperate, for example on the training of Ukrainian soldiers. But this is the first time that Norway has taken the lead of an international coalition in this way.
One goal of the initiative is to keep the Black Sea open for trade and free movement.
– It is incredibly important for Ukraine’s defense that the Russian Black Sea fleet can be kept as far away from the coast of Ukraine as possible. And it is important for their economy and the world’s poor that grain exports can continue, that the sea route to and from Ukraine is open.
A cargo ship is anchored outside the port city of Izmail in Ukraine. Izmail is often hit by Russian rocket attacks.
Photo: STRINGER / AFP
Submitted Monday morning
Today, the British and Norwegian Defense Ministers announce that Great Britain and Norway are joining forces to lead the maritime coalition in support of Ukraine.
– The defense of Ukraine is important for Euro-Atlantic security, says the Minister of Defense in connection with the launch of the “Maritime Capability Coalition”.
Foto: Kiel Institute for the World Economy
Only the US and Germany have given more military support to Ukraine than the UK and Norway. But there is considerable uncertainty about the US’s further contribution.
In June, a survey showed that almost half of Republicans in the American population believe that it is time to cut aid.
According to a new report from the Kiel Institute, the value of pledge room help from supporters has not been lower since the new year 2022.
Allies and partners have a close dialogue about how we can organize military support for Ukraine going forward. Various coalitions have been established to support Ukraine.
– Great Britain, Norway and other countries will help Ukraine to strengthen security along the coast and at sea. Ukraine will receive support to build a lasting maritime capacity, says Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.
– What kind of material can we be talking about?
– It can be about things we have today or acquire from industry. But here there are many countries that cooperate and in sum create a contribution that means that Ukraine can strengthen its defense capability at sea.
Photo: ALEKSEY FILIPPOV / AFP
Various coalitions have been established for international military aid to Ukraine, such as in air defense and the maritime sector.
The aim is to further develop the work that allies and partners do to support Ukraine, in the short and long term.
– We aim to strengthen Ukraine’s naval defenses and improve Ukraine’s ability to operate along its own coast. Norway is already training Ukrainian soldiers in small boat operations and will be able to build on this support when the concrete plans for further development are ready, says the Minister of Defence.
2023-12-11 00:00:03
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