Norway will donate a dozen various tanks to Ukraine, the Norwegian government’s official site announced Tuesday. “We are also earmarking funds to ammunition and spare parts, Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram said.
Says Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, “It has been a horrible year with war, war crimes, destruction and murder to the extent that we have not seen since World War II. Because it is more crucial than ever to support Ukraine’s fight for freedom, we have decided to donate eight [Leopard 2 main battle] tanks and up to four special-purpose tanks to Ukraine”.
The type of special-purpose tanks will be determined based on what Ukraine needs the most.
“The war in Ukraine is nearing a critical phase, and they depend on timely and substantial support. We will also contribute by educating and training Ukrainian tank crews in Poland, along with other allied countries. This donation is an important and much-needed contribution,” the defense minister said.
In addition, Norway will offer NOK 250 million (nearly $25 million) to the EU fund for Ukraine under the European Peace Facility. “The funds will be earmarked for ammunition and spare parts for the Leopard II. This will strengthen the effect of the Norwegian donation,” according to Gram.
The Norwegian government has recently communicated to Parliament that a support package for Ukraine for the next five years will amount to NOK 75 billion ($7.38 billion).
