Norway strongly supports Ukraine for three main reasons. But is there more it can do?

Norway, located thousands of kilometers away from Ukraine, has become a steadfast ally of Kyiv since the onset of Russia's full-scale aggression. Modern air defense systems like NASAMS, F-16 fighter jets, and artillery shells are just a brief overview of Norway's assistance.

According to data from the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, Norway ranks among the top 10 allies in terms of comprehensive support for Ukraine relative to GDP.

However, the Scandinavian nation, the largest exporter of oil and gas in Europe, often faces criticism. Detractors argue that Norway's extraordinary profits from the soaring energy prices due to Russia's war do not align with the levels of military aid provided to Ukrainians.

The opposition in Norway is calling for a threefold increase in support for Kyiv in the near future, while the country's Prime Minister announces long-awaited investments in Ukraine's defense sector. This stands in stark contrast to the sentiments of other allies of Kyiv.

In an interview with the "Telegraph," Igor Golovchenko, the Acting Chargé d'Affaires of Ukraine in Norway, discussed why Norwegians do not exhibit the "war fatigue" seen in other countries and whether there is a likelihood of increasing support from Oslo.

The Entire Norwegian Army is Just One Brigade

— Norway stands beside Ukraine from the very beginning of the full-scale invasion, despite its geographical distance. What is your perspective on why support for Ukraine remains a priority for both the Norwegian government and its citizens? Especially when other countries are considering reducing their aid.

— I have been in Norway for over a year and can confirm that at both the societal and governmental levels, there is no "fatigue over Ukraine." The level of support remains very high.

This summer, a survey among Norwegians revealed that two-thirds of the population supports increasing aid to Ukraine, while a quarter believes the current level of support is adequate. Less than 10% advocate for reducing or halting aid.

On a societal level, dozens of Norwegian organizations, and hundreds, if not thousands, of Norwegians across the country support Ukraine in various ways. Some participate in public events, expressing their concern: "We worry for you." Others are actively collecting donations and sending trucks with humanitarian aid.

The government has also done a great deal. We are talking about over five billion dollars in total civil-military assistance that Norway has provided as a state since the beginning of the full-scale war.

There are several reasons for this, and I can highlight three key ones. The first is a very high level of empathy. Russian aggression against our state is a black-and-white story for Norway. There are no gray areas for them. There is a clear understanding that there is an aggressor country that has attacked, and there is a victim country that is defending itself.

In this respect, it is quite easy to work with Norwegians. They do not need an explanation of what is happening and why it matters to them. There is this clear-cut picture of events, unlike many other conflicts that are currently ongoing in the world.

The second reason is that it is a matter of their own security and the principle that a large country cannot attack a small country, gain something, and walk away from it without punishment.

Norway is a relatively large country in terms of area, rich, but with a population of only 5.5 million. To give you an idea, the entire Norwegian army consists of just one brigade. The country's security is based on NATO membership and the belief that if anything happens, someone will come to help. Therefore, for them, it is a matter of principle. Norwegians strongly support us within international organizations, pushing for the adoption of any resolutions, decisions, and statements. They are always at the forefront.

The third factor is the recognition of the military threat posed by Russia. From basic experts and military analysts to government leadership, there is a clear understanding that whatever the outcome of Russian aggression against Ukraine, Russia as a source of threat will not disappear. The militaristic view held by the ruling elite in Russia and the powerful Russian military-industrial complex, unfortunately, will remain.

Norwegians understand that by helping us reduce the military potential of the Kremlin, they are also helping themselves.

Norway is the Only Neighbor That Russia Has Never Attacked

— Given that Norway shares a border with Russia, they must be aware of the potential danger they face if Moscow senses any weakness from the West.

— I think, purely from a military standpoint, the border itself is not a significant factor because one only needs to look at the map to understand that Russians will not be sending columns of tanks to Murmansk, then turning to Kirkenes, and traveling thousands of kilometers south to Oslo. That is an unrealistic military plan.

In a hypothetical conflict between NATO and Russia, more questions would be directed at the Finns and Swedes, and then to Norwegians. But the border remains a factor. Historically speaking, Norway is perhaps the only neighbor of Russia, from the Tsarist era to the present, that Russia has never attacked.

For a long time, there was sufficient normal economic cooperation. The Barents Sea, fishing, and some border contacts were quite normal. The extreme northern and sparsely populated areas are located near the border. However, the situation changed in 2014, and by 2022, it underwent radical changes.

The only area where Norway and Russia still communicate is fishing. Certain negotiations continue, and the parties agree on fishing quotas. For Norway, fishing is an important export item and a means of supporting small, sparsely populated settlements in the north of the country. Therefore, Norway has joined all EU sanction packages against Russia, except for allowing Russian fishing vessels into its ports.

We do not agree with this. The Ukrainian side raises this issue during relevant meetings, but Norway's position remains unchanged.

— Is there any influence of Russian propaganda in Norway? Perhaps there are manifestations of pro-Russian political forces, like in Germany?

— The second of two exceptions where Norway did not join the sanctions is that it did not ban RT (formerly Russia Today) and Sputnik. However, I have been here for over a year and have not seen any presence of their information.

Norway ranks first in the world for press freedom; this is a fundamental principle for them. They operate on the concept that the population must be able to distinguish propaganda from the truth.

I also do not see representatives of the Russian embassy at receptions hosted by Western countries. They tend to maintain a very low profile. I think there is a chance that Russian spies continue to operate covertly somewhere, but they are not present in the public sphere.

"Norway's Support for Ukraine is Significant but Insufficient"

— Regarding the political situation, the opposition in Norway recently called for tripling support for Ukraine. Does it mean that each political party in the country adheres to a pro-Ukrainian stance? And what is the reason for such a statement from the opposition — is the government currently not doing enough?

— There are nine parties in the Norwegian parliament. One of them is the Red Party, which is essentially communist. It is surprising to many Norwegians that such a political force exists in their parliament. However, a small portion of the population votes for them.

Yet even this party, when the civil and military Nansen Support Program for Ukraine was adopted in February 2023, did not join immediately but did so on the second attempt. Eight out of nine parties signed this Program, and after a few months, the Red Party also joined. Still, it is a small party that does not play a defining role.

*For reference: The Nansen Support Program for Ukraine is a Norwegian support program amounting to 75 billion Norwegian krone for the period 2023-2027. The distribution between civil and military support is determined annually based on the needs of the Ukrainian side. In September 2024, the Norwegian government decided to extend the program until 2030, with an increase in total funding to 135 billion Norwegian krone.

Opinions differ regarding the overall volume of support for Ukraine from Norway and how adequate it is. In my view, the level of assistance is very significant but insufficient. It needs to be increased. My leadership from Kyiv, including the president, foreign minister, and defense minister, and I always raise this issue during high-level contacts.

Norway can do more. They have the financial resources, a powerful defense industry with modern technologies, and substantial production capacities. Last week, the Minister of Defense, Rustem Umerov, visited here. Norway officially announced its support for the "Danish model" of financing arms production in Ukraine. So progress is being made.

The recent proposal to triple aid to Ukraine comes from the Conservatives, the main opposition party in Norway (referring to the "Høyre" political force, led by former Prime Minister Erna Solberg). Their leadership role should be noted. I hope that the government, in cooperation with the opposition,