The Norwegian Government has Made an Exception and Allowed Direct Arms Sales to Ukraine

Norway has made an exception for Ukraine and lifted the ban on arms sales from its territory to military conflict zones, which has been in place since '59. From 1 January 2024, Norwegian companies will be able to sell arms directly under contracts with the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.

This is stated on the website of the Norwegian government.

"Russia's war of aggression threatens Ukraine as a state and a nation. Only a few days after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, the Norwegian government decided to provide Ukraine with weapons and defence products. Since then, the government has made a number of donations in line with Ukraine's needs. Provided that the exports meet the requirements of verified needs and end-user controls, the government has decided to allow direct sales of arms and defence products from the Norwegian defence industry to the Ukrainian defence authorities," the text says.

"This change means that we, together with our allies, are defending the fundamental interests of Norway's security and defence policy. The government is using a number of tools to promote the important role of the defence industry in the current security situation," said Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.

The announcement also states that Norwegian companies can apply to the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for an export licence to sell arms and defence products directly to Ukraine.

At the same time, the Norwegian government emphasises that "export licences for direct sales will be granted on a case-by-case basis".

"In the extraordinary security situation that has developed as a result of Russia's aggressive war, it is extremely important that we continue to support Ukraine. Supporting Ukraine is important for the security of Norway and Europe. We must plan for the possibility of a continuation of the illegal war of aggression. That is why the government has decided to allow direct sales of arms and defence-related products from the Norwegian defence industry to Ukraine," said Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

The government considers it important that the Ukrainian authorities have the opportunity to purchase the necessary weapons and defence products. Direct sales will be subject to strict conditions. The new agreement complies with Norwegian export control regulations.