Norway Offers $242 Million To Help Ukraine Deter Russian Naval Forces In Black Sea

Norway has recently announced that it will provide 2.7 billion Norwegian kroner ($242 Million) to strengthen the Ukrainian Navy and help it defend against Russian naval forces in the Black Sea.

A large portion of the funding will go to innovation and autonomy under the Maritime Capability Coalition, a program launched last year by Britain and Norway.

The goal of this initiative is to make Ukraine’s navy more compatible with Western allies.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said it is essential to protect the Ukrainian population and infrastructure from attacks by Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.

He also discussed the importance of protecting Ukraine’s exports, such as grain and other products, which are crucial for the country’s economy.

The financial support will come from donations from the Norwegian Armed Forces and military equipment that will be purchased from industry to later be donated to Ukraine.

Additionally, the funds will support mine clearance operations and the training of Ukrainian soldiers. Defence Minister Bjoern Arild Gram explained that the new systems would help Ukrainian forces detect and defuse mines along their coastline.

This new support package is part of Norway’s ongoing commitment to assist Ukraine as it faces ongoing challenges in the Black Sea region.

On November 28, the Norwegian parliament approved an additional 30 billion Norwegian kroner ($3.16 billion) aid to Ukraine for 2025.

Reference: Reuters

Source: Maritime Shipping News