The Norwegian government stated on September 3 that it would provide $53 million to the International Fund for Ukraine, which is run by the UK, specifically for the purchase of drones and air defence systems.

“Ukraine has an urgent need for more military equipment to protect itself against the Russian war of aggression,” Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram said. “Together with other countries, Norway will do what we can to contribute.”

About International Fund for Ukraine

International Fund for Ukraine (IFU) is an additional source of funding for Ukraine's support, which is managed by the UK Ministry of Defence. Australia, Denmark, Iceland, Lithuania, New Zealand, Norway, and Sweden are among its members.

  • Due to Russia's increased missile strikes on citizens and infrastructure, Ukraine requires air defence assistance. Since October 2022, Russia has increased its missile and drone strikes on Ukraine's energy plants, residential zones, and other important infrastructure. These attacks caused significant power outages, damaged water supplies, and countless human casualties. According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the heaviest Russian strike against 15 Ukrainian regions occurred on August 26, 2024, when Russia unleashed approximately 200 drones and missiles.
  • The British-led fund's goal is to provide Ukraine with the required military equipment through industrial purchases. Norway has contributed an overall of NOK 1.8 billion ($168 million) to the IFU since 2022. Combined, more than $1.2 billion has been promised by the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Lithuania, Australia, New Zealand, and Iceland. Norway has previously contributed to the acquisition of air defence, mine-clearing equipment, artillery ammunition, transport vehicles, engineering vehicles, pavers, spare parts, and service equipment for Ukrainian platforms and small boats. The assistance is provided through the Nansen programme.
  • This is not Norway's first contribution to Ukrainian defence operations. Previously, the government provided funding for the acquisition of air defence systems, demining equipment, artillery ammunition, engineering machines, cranes, spare parts, and equipment for servicing Ukrainian water vehicles. 

In July 2022, Lithuania, Poland, Norway, and Canada joined the Bayraktar for Ukraine flashmob and supported the initiative of collecting funds to purchase drones.