Sweden, Iceland, and Norway Sign Security Agreements with Ukraine
Today, 31 May, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed three agreements on security cooperation with Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson, Prime Minister of Iceland Bjarni Benediktsson and Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Har Stere.
The President's Office website states, among other things, that Norway will provide Ukraine with about €1.2 billion in military aid this year.
‘In total, Norway has allocated almost €6.4 billion in the Nansen long-term programme to support Ukraine for 2023-2027. Norway's support for Ukraine will continue for the duration of the agreement,’ the statement said.
Oslo will also help Kyiv develop its combat aircraft capabilities, in particular, the state is ready to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighters. Norway will also contribute to the development of maritime capabilities in the Black and Azov Seas, continue to provide NASAMS systems and equipment, and train specialists.
Sweden will provide Ukraine with military assistance worth SEK 75 billion (about EUR 6.5 billion), which will amount to approximately EUR 2.2 billion per year in 2024-2026. The amount of assistance will increase over the ten-year term of the document.
Military support for Ukraine includes aviation and air defence, armoured vehicles, artillery, maritime security, mine action assistance, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
A unique part of the agreement with Sweden is the provision of specialised ASC 890 aircraft, as well as the prospect of transferring JAS 39 Gripen aircraft to Ukraine, including relevant training.
In turn, Iceland pledged to provide comprehensive and long-term economic, humanitarian and defence support to Ukraine, as well as to facilitate its future membership in the EU and NATO.
During 2024-2028, Iceland will provide at least ISK 4 billion (almost USD 30 million) annually. Support for Ukraine will continue throughout the term of the agreement. Iceland is also ready to finance, purchase and supply defence materials and equipment. In addition, it is ready to cooperate with Ukraine to develop its defence industry.
The agreement is unique in that Iceland undertakes to continue transporting military supplies and equipment from NATO allies to Ukraine by chartered cargo aircraft. In addition, Iceland will pay special attention to supporting and equipping Ukrainian women in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
These agreements were signed pursuant to the G7 Joint Declaration adopted last year on 12 July.
Thus, Ukraine has now concluded 15 bilateral security agreements with the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Denmark, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, Finland, Latvia, Spain, Belgium, and Portugal.