On Tuesday, President Volodymyr Zelensky and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre signed a Joint Declaration on Enhanced Defense and Security Cooperation, deepening bilateral ties in air defense, drones, electronic warfare, maritime security and joint defense production.
Zelensky said the agreement marked the first step toward what he described as a “drone deal” with Norway.
“As we speak, many Shaheds are in Ukrainian skies, and missiles may also be used. We must keep our air defense supplied,” he said, referring to ongoing Russian attacks following a strike on Dnipro earlier that day that killed and injured civilians.
Under the agreement, Norway will support the production of drones in Ukraine, while Ukraine will share data, information and knowledge with Norway. Ukrainian drones will also be produced on Norwegian territory.
The joint declaration also says Norway reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities through continued military assistance and cooperation on advanced capabilities.
According to Støre, the partnership reflects not only Norway’s support for Ukraine but also Oslo’s desire to learn from Ukraine’s battlefield experience in resisting Russian aggression.
He emphasized that Ukraine remains a key priority in Norwegian foreign policy, adding that Norway is a steadfast supporter of Ukraine’s struggle for independence and self-defense.
Zelensky also thanked Norway for its steady support in the energy sector, saying it had been especially valuable during a difficult wartime winter.
Norway has been among Ukraine’s most reliable supporters since Russia’s full-scale invasion, alongside other Nordic and Baltic nations. The Norwegian government has committed to a long-term funding plan for Kyiv worth about $28 billion between 2023 and 2030, making it one of Ukraine’s most generous donors on a per capita basis.
Norway plans €7.66 billion ($8.4 billion) in support for Ukraine in 2026, with most of it allocated to military aid.
Asked whether Norway was prepared to take a more active military role in providing security guarantees for Ukraine, Støre said Norway, like many other European countries, had already signed security cooperation agreements with Kyiv.
He added that Norway is part of the “Coalition of the Willing” and is working with partners including the United Kingdom, France and Germany on relevant security guarantees.
“Ukraine will be in Europe. Ukraine will be integrated into European security,” Støre said.
Earlier on Tuesday, Zelensky met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin, where the two sides agreed on a €4 billion ($4.7 billion) defense package that includes air defense, Patriot missiles, long-range capabilities and joint drone production.