Norway allowed direct sales of weapons to Ukraine

The Norwegian government has allowed direct sales of weapons and military goods to Ukraine since January 1. Normally, Norwegian legislation prohibits manufacturers from directly selling weapons to belligerent countries. An exception was made for Ukraine.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Espen Bart Eide, emphasized that the support of Ukraine is unprecedentedly important for the security of both the country itself and Europe as a whole. “We must take into account that this illegal war can last a long time,” he said.

Norway is not a member of the European Union, but is a member of the European Economic Area, and is also a member of NATO. Since the beginning of Russia’s war against Ukraine in February 2022, the Norwegian authorities have condemned Russian aggression and joined the financial and military support of Ukraine by European countries. Norway supplies Ukraine with weapons both from its own stocks and jointly with partner countries, and trains the Ukrainian military.

However, previously Norwegian manufacturers of weapons and other military goods could not conclude direct contracts with the Ukrainian government. In Norway, the so-called Storting principle applies, prohibiting the direct export of weapons to countries in which there are wars – interstate or civil. As indicated in the government’s statement, this principle will continue to be observed in relation to other possible importing countries, with the exception of Ukraine.

Norway consistently supports Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression – both independently and within the framework of joint initiatives of Europe and NATO countries. In 2023, the Norwegian authorities allocated about 11 billion kroner (more than 1 billion dollars) for military support to Ukraine. The Kingdom also provides substantial humanitarian support to Ukraine.