Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi told the Norwegian prime minister how it feels to be under Russian airstrikes from missiles and drones.
And then the president also specifically asked Norway for more military support, according to Jonas Gahr Støre:
– Yes, he has specific wishes, but I don’t want to share them now. But it’s about support within the army, of course, but also about energy, the prime minister told VG after Tuesday’s phone call between Kiev and Oslo.
It was President Zelenskyj who took the initiative for Tuesday’s talks.
– I have been to many meetings where he speaks via video broadcast. But he also places great emphasis on following these face-to-face conversations. I have had many such conversations, even after we met in Kiev this summer. He spends a lot of time keeping in touch with countries that support Ukraine, and Norway is one of them, says Støre.
Focused on fighting the resistance
– What does it say about being in Kiev under constant Russian attacks and prolonged power outages?
– He is very focused on the opposition he is leading. We have come to know him as someone who is on the front lines of a war of conquest from Russia. It is very clear in his message.
– How is it affected by the situation?
– Tells about air strikes by missiles and drones, but also that they are better able to shoot them down with air defense capabilities, with which, by the way, Norway has contributed, says the Norwegian Prime Minister.
Støre says Zelenskyj also wanted to talk about Norwegian gas purchase contributions that are underway, and equipment that has arrived from Norway to repair infrastructure that was destroyed after the Russian airstrikes.
He says Zelensky is still adamant that Ukraine can withstand the attacks, but that they also depend on further support from the international community.
New care package
The government is now working on a support package which will last for several years. Depends on Storting support.
– We have a good dialogue with the parties in the Storting on this, to ensure the broadest possible anchoring for the support package. We will return to the details of this support in the near future, says Støre.
