Norway announces US$400m aid package for Ukraine

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has announced US$400 million in aid for Ukraine that will be directed to the energy sector and the functioning of the Ukrainian state.

During his visit to Kyiv, Norway's foreign minister announced a new aid package for Ukraine.

He said at a press conference in Kyiv that US$200 million out of the US$400 million will be directed "to immediate energy needs, gas purchases and other urgent energy-related issues to restore heat and electricity supplies as quickly as possible".

The other US$200 million is intended for budget support that "will serve as a bridge until the promised funds from the European Union actually arrive".

"This is a strong symbol of solidarity and a common cause and we wanted to do it immediately. I come from a cold country. Today the weather in Oslo is the same as in Kyiv. That is why we understand how important heating is in Ukraine", Eide emphasised.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, for his part, said this new package of energy support for Ukraine is very timely.

"It will help strengthen the resilience of our state and society. This is a continuation of sustained energy support from Oslo," Sybiha added.

It was reported in December that Norway will finance another batch of US weapons for Ukraine and is providing over EUR 267 million for this.

It was also reported that Norway would allocate NOK 40 million (approx. US$3.9 million) to support agriculture in Ukraine.