During a working visit to Norway, Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk, Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine, discussed military cooperation between the two countries.

He met with Norwegian government officials, MPs, and business representatives.

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported on this.

From the beginning of 2024, the Norwegian government decided to permit direct sales of weapons and defense-related products from the Norwegian defense industry to Ukraine.

“Ukraine is very interested in purchasing weapons for its needs from Norwegian defense companies and in establishing joint production of certain types of weapons on Ukrainian territory. Norwegian companies produce high-tech weapons that will be effective for many years to come,” said Ivan Havryliuk during a meeting with Norwegian officials.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre noted that Russia’s war against Ukraine has become the greatest challenge to security policy of our time.

The Lieutenant General also emphasized that long-term programs of partners, including defense packages and budget support, are crucial for Ukraine.

For his part, Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram reminded that, among other things, Norway has already transferred artillery, armored vehicles, tanks, and demining equipment to Ukraine.

“Together with the UK, we support Ukraine in building its coastal and maritime defense. In addition, instructors from the Norwegian Armed Forces are training Ukrainian servicemen in the UK, Germany, and Lithuania,” Gram said.

An exception for Ukraine

As previously reported, the Norwegian government authorized direct sales of weapons produced by its defense industry to Ukraine. The decision came into force on January 1, 2024. It is worth noting that an exception was made for Ukraine as according to a 1959 decision of the Norwegian parliament, the country does not allow the sale of arms and ammunition produced by its defense industry to areas where there is a war or a threat of war, or to countries where there is a civil war.

The government’s decision of January 1 this year means that Norwegian companies can apply to the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for an export license to sell arms and defense products directly to Ukraine. The Norwegian Foreign Ministry emphasizes that export licenses for direct sales will be granted on a case-by-case basis.

It is emphasized that all applications will be carefully evaluated. Controls will continue to be carried out within a strict and responsible framework, in accordance with Norwegian export control regulations.