President of Ukraine holds meeting with Minister of Defense of Kingdom of Norway

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of Norway Bjørn Arild Gram.

When congratulating the delegation, the President expressed his gratitude to the government, parliament, and the entire people of Norway for the comprehensive assistance provided to Ukraine and our citizens, and for effective support of our state's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"You've been supporting us since the first day of the full-scale war. Thank you very much for this big step – fighting together with us against aggression and for our sovereignty and freedom. We appreciate your help. Your country has really done a lot for our soldiers so that they are strong on the battlefield," Zelenskyy said.

The President thanked the Kingdom of Norway for supporting Ukraine in countering energy terror by the aggressor during the past winter.

The Head of State noted the recent decision by the Kingdom to provide EUR 7 billion under a five-year support program for Ukraine: "I am grateful for this opportunity and for this decision. It is a good example for some countries of how to take not theoretical but practical steps to support Ukraine. Thank you very much for taking such a position."

In response to the condolences expressed by the Minister of Defense of Norway in connection with the victims among Ukrainians due to Russian aggression and his high assessment of the courage of our people, which inspires the whole of Europe, the President emphasized the priority of increasing the volume and pace of defense aid to the defense forces of Ukraine.

"Our key priority remains unchanged – strengthening the Armed Forces. Increasing the supply of weapons and speeding up the receipt of already announced aid," Zelenskyy said.

At the meeting, particular attention was paid to practical and effective steps to strengthen Ukraine's air and missile defense, which are currently being implemented.