The defense ministers of Norway and the Netherlands announced contributions to the British-led International Fund for Ukraine.

According to Bjørn Arild Gram, Norwegian Defense Minister, Oslo will donate about NOK 1.5 billion (about €150 million) to the fund. This contribution follows the NOK 400 million (€39.6 million) Norway previously donated to the fund.

That funding was previously used to acquire drones, drone jamming equipment and artillery shells.

The fund acquires military equipment that Ukraine requires directly from the defense industry.

The NOK 1.5 billion donation is a part of the NOK 3 billion that the Norwegian government will provide in military support to Ukraine till the end of 2022.

“This fund provides equipment acquired directly from the defense industry. Norway has a world leading defense industry within certain areas, and produces systems that can supply Ukraine’s requirements. I am pleased that Norwegian industry will be able to compete for contracts through this fund,” the Minister of Defense said.

In its turn, Kajsa Ollongren, head of the Ministry of Defense of the Netherlands, announced a €100 million transfer by the country to the International Fund for Ukraine.

It is expected that the first contracts for the supply of weapons will be concluded by the end of 2022.

The International Fund for Ukraine allows participating countries to continue providing military assistance to Ukraine in the long term without compromising their military capabilities.

The process of creating the fund is at its final stage. Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway, as well as Ukraine, will participate in the British-led fund.

Contracts may also be submitted by parties from non-contributing countries.

The government of the country in which the manufacturer of military products is located must vouch for the reliability of this manufacturer. This government is also responsible for the necessary export licenses.