Norway pledges 1 bln euros to support Ukraine

Reuters: –

Norway on Friday pledged 1 billion euros ($1.04 billion) to help Ukraine defend itself, support people in need and for reconstruction in the wake of Russia’s invasion.

Addressing a news conference in Kyiv alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said Norway wanted to express its solidarity with Ukraine’s fight for survival.

“I’m here to say that Ukraine’s fight is not only for Ukraine. This is about some fundamental principles of the world we are going to offer to our children. This is about security in Europe, this is about the fate of your neighbour,” he said.

“We will pledge 1 billion euros in support to your country and your people for the remaining part of 2022 and for 2023,” he continued. “This war is a breach of international law. … You have the right to defend yourself and we have the right to help you defend yourself.”

Asked whether Norway was willing to increase gas supplies to Europe, Stoere said Norway was already producing gas “at its maximum” but it would do everything it could to provide gas.