The Norwegian government has decided to permit direct sales of weapons and defense-related products from the Norwegian defense industry to the defense authorities in Ukraine. This policy change entered into force on January 1, 2024, Ednews informs, citing the Government of Norway.

"Russia's war of aggression threatens Ukraine as a state and nation. Only a few days after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, the Norwegian government decided to donate weapons and defense-related products to Ukraine. The government has since followed up with a series of donations in line with Ukraine's needs," the Norwegian Government said in a statement.

‘In the extraordinary security situation resulting from Russia's war of aggression, it is crucial that we continue to support Ukraine. Support for Ukraine is important for Norwegian and European security. We must plan for the possibility that the illegal war of aggression may be prolonged. The Government has therefore decided to permit direct sales of weapons and defense-related products from Norwegian defense industry to Ukraine,’ says Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

The Norwegian military support to Ukraine is part of a broad international effort among allies and partner countries.

Provided that the export meets requirements for verified needs and end-user control, the government has therefore decided to permit direct sales of weapons and defense-related products from the Norwegian defense industry to the defense authorities in Ukraine.

‘This change means that we are safeguarding fundamental defense and security policy interests for Norway together with our allies. The Government employs a number of instruments to facilitate the important role of the defense industry in the current security policy situation,’ says Minister of Defense Bjørn Arild Gram.

The policy change means that Norwegian companies can apply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for an export license for direct sales of weapons and defense-related products to Ukraine.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasises that export licenses for direct sales will only be granted on a case-by-case basis. All applications will be thoroughly assessed. The control will continue to take place within a strict and responsible framework, in line with the Norwegian export control regulations.