Norway Stands by Ukraine with $8.5B Support for 2026
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a joint press conference in Kyiv, announcing the continuation of financial and defense support for Ukraine, including the allocation of $8.5 billion for 2026 and the supply of air defense systems and drones.
The Gaze reports on it, referring to Ukrinform.
“Today, I announced that Norway's high level of support for Ukraine in 2025 will continue in 2026. This means a total of $8.5 billion in 2026, which I will propose to parliament,” Støre said.
The Norwegian parliament unanimously supported the Nansen program for refugees and migrants, and Støre expressed confidence in its continued high-level support. He also stressed that Ukraine's security depends on strengthening its defense capabilities and responding to its needs.
During a joint press conference with the Norwegian Prime Minister, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed allocating part of the remaining funds from the Nansen program for Ukraine to the purchase of drones.
“The more drones we have to defend our positions and for long-range strikes, the more serious Russia's coercion to peace will be," he said.
Zelenskyy also discussed with Støre Ukraine's defense needs, the situation on the front lines, the capabilities of the Ukrainian military, and key threats. Emphasis was placed on cooperation programs for the purchase of weapons, in particular Norway's participation in the PURL program, which allows the purchase of weapons from the US.
Additionally, the President expressed gratitude for the decision to allocate $700 million for the purchase of the Patriot air defense system, noting that “systems of this type have already saved thousands of lives of our people, they are very effective in shooting down Russian ballistic missiles.”
Regarding the distribution of aid from Norway, Zelensky noted that most of the funds go directly to Ukraine, and part goes to partners in Europe and the US through several programs under which Ukraine receives the corresponding weapons.
As for the production of drones, the President of Ukraine explained that funding is provided directly to private manufacturers under clear contracts.
“There is a direct contract with a private manufacturer. The number of drones, their quality and cost are clear, and our military then receives this number,” he said.
In addition, at a press conference, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said that Norway would help Ukraine with gas supplies in preparation for the winter period. He pointed out that Norway has extensive experience in the energy sector, and Ukraine may face energy shortages in winter.
“That is why we are working with our European partners to finance gas supplies and storage. And we will take your messages into account during our talks,” said the Norwegian Prime Minister.
Read more on The Gaze: $120 Billion for Ukraine’s Victory: Why 2026 Defense Spending Is an Investment in Global Security