Zelensky's Unannounced Visit to Oslo Brings Hope for Military Aid
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made an unexpected trip to Norway's capital, Oslo, in the morning. Upon his arrival, Norwegian Prime Minister Gahr Störe reiterated their country's support for Ukraine's defense efforts, stating, "We continue to back Ukraine in its fight for defense."
Following a meeting with Norway's King Harald V, Zelensky attended a gathering of the Nordic nations' heads of government. According to reports, Zelensky hoped to gain their support for boosting Ukraine's weapons production.
In a Financial Times article published three days prior, the leaders of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden declared that Ukraine could not shield itself from Russia's aggression solely through words. They stressed that the war would not be won without weapons, and now was not the time to lessen pressure.
Since the initiation of Russia's aggression in February 2022, the five Nordic countries, including the United States and Germany, have served as Ukraine's principal allies. In January 2025, Norway pledged €6.8 billion in aid to Ukraine, extending until 2027. On the day of Zelensky's visit, Norway revealed plans to allocate an additional €250 million as part of this aid package, delivering urgently needed new air defense weapons to Ukraine.
Norway and Denmark have already supplied Ukraine with tanks, artillery, and ammunition, along with assurances of F-16 fighter jets for its military. Sweden, meanwhile, announced a military aid package valued at €190 million, boosting their commitment to assisting Ukraine. Moreover, Stockholm suggested the potential deployment of Gripen fighter jets.
Prior to his rendezvous in Norway, Zelensky visited Argentina and the U.S., discussing the prospect of additional U.S. military support against Russian invasion forces. Although Biden requested new funds for Ukraine totaling around $61 billion from Congress in October 2024, the legislature has yet to approve the allocation. Failure to disburse these funds could have grave consequences for Ukraine, leading others to express concerns about Washington.
The Financial Times article additionally recognized the EU, alongside Finland, as a crucial backer of Ukraine, pledging to provide both financial and military aid.
Contextual Enrichment
The Nordic countries, including Norway, Sweden, and Finland, continue to play a pivotal role in enhancing Ukraine's military capabilities. Their commitments involve providing substantial funds and military equipment to support Ukraine's defense efforts.
Here's a summary of the recent military aid provisions:
Norway
- €1.2 billion allocation under the JUMPSTART program to bolster Ukraine's air defense capabilities
- Expansion of the Nansen Support Program with an increased funding of €4.1 billion, extending aid delivery to 2032
Sweden
- €682 million military aid package, marking their 15th support package since the 2022 Russian invasion
- Finalized aid totals over €5.6 billion, offering components like long-range missiles to enhance Ukraine's defensive capabilities
Finland
- Delivered €2.3 billion worth of defense material since late 2024, including anti-aircraft systems and artillery
- Membership in the tank and IT support coalitions alongside fellow allies, lasting commitment to Ukraine
The unwavering support of these Nordic countries signifies their determination to uphold Ukraine's sovereignty and preserve European stability in the face of Russian aggression.
