President Volodymyr Zelenskyi addressed the Norwegian Storting, where on Thursday the government will present its five-year aid package to Ukraine for 75 billion Norwegian kroner (almost 7 billion euros).
This is reported by the NRK television and radio company.
"Sovereign states have the right to defend themselves and have the right to receive help from their friends for self-defense. Russia's war against Ukraine violates all these principles, which are decisive for Norway and our national interests. Therefore, the struggle of Ukrainians is also our struggle," said the Prime Minister Jer. Norway's Jonas Har Støre, before giving the floor to the Ukrainian president.
Zelenskyi thanked Norway for its help in the war, which helped save thousands of lives.
He also recalled that he addressed the Storting for the first time on the 35th day of the war and noted that a lot had changed since March and there was confidence that the free world would not leave Ukraine alone.
"Norway's contribution to this is historic. You help us with air defenses that protect our cities from Russian terror, you help us with anti-tank weapons, you help us with the restoration of energy infrastructure after Russian missiles and Iraqi drone strikes. And now you are setting a very important precedent long-term financing of a country that defends its independence and the right of every country to live in accordance with international law," Zelenskyi said.
According to him, this precedent is important because it gives a sense of the future and confidence in the presence of a reliable shoulder of allies in the future.
"We do not know what will happen in this 5-year period. But we know what will not happen: Russia will not overcome our unity, the Kremlin will not make terror and intimidation a new reality for Europe. The Russian flag will not remain over the occupied territories of Ukraine. It is so just like your NASAMS, which protect the skies of Ukraine," Zelenskyi said.
He noted that Ukraine will continue to need air defense, and this is a matter of life and death. Yes, he mentioned the Russian attack last night, when Ukrainian air defense was able to shoot down half of the missiles. According to the president, the goal is a one hundred percent fight against Russian terror.
The government and the majority in the Storting have agreed on a five-year aid program for war-torn Ukraine.
The support package was named "Nansen Program".
By 2027, Ukraine will receive multibillion-dollar aid from Norway. Aid should be both military and civilian.
The total amount of aid is NOK 75 billion, with an annual allocation of NOK 15 billion.
In the Storting, there is broad political support for the government package of Ukraine. Several party leaders attended the presentation of the package in the Storting on Thursday.
Norway will also support countries in the south that have suffered from the consequences of the war. At the same time, Norway will provide both humanitarian and food aid to countries suffering from hunger.