The Norwegian government has decided to allow the direct sale of weapons and defence products from its defence industry to Ukraine, Yevropeyska Pravda has said.
The relevant changes came into force on 1 January 2024.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide stressed that support for our country is important for Norwegian and European security.
"In the extraordinary security situation that has developed as a result of Russia's war of aggression, it is extremely important that we continue to support Ukraine. We must plan for the possibility that... the war may continue. That is why the government has decided to allow direct sales of arms and defence products from the Norwegian defence industry to Ukraine," said Eide.
There is one condition for the sale - exports must meet the requirements for verified end-user needs and controls. Export licences will be granted only on a case-by-case basis and will be carefully assessed. Control will continue to be carried out within a strict and responsible framework, in accordance with Norwegian export control regulations
Norwegian Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram said that this change means that "we are defending the fundamental interests of Norway's defence and security policy together with our allies".
"The government is using a number of tools to promote the important role of the defence industry in the current security policy environment," Gram added.