– Ukraine is in great need of help, so we must look even deeper into our own stocks to support them in their defense struggle, says Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram to news. Norway has now given Ukraine weapons and other defense material worth NOK 5-6 billion. SENDING MORE TO UKRAINE: Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram. Photo: Terje Pedersen / NTB – We cannot let Russia win with an assault on Ukraine. It is important for Norway’s security that the principles of the rule of law are respected. We will stand by the support for Ukraine as long as there is a need for it, says Gram. – How much can Norway support Ukraine before Russia is right in its claim that this is a conflict between NATO and Russia? – There is no basis for such a claim. Ukraine has the right to defend itself against an attack, and they have the right to be attacked by other countries, including Norway. We are on safe ground under international law when we support Ukraine with weapons and material, Gram answers. UKRAINE PUBLISHED PHOTO: The photo published by Ukraine’s defense minister is supposed to show the Norwegian vehicles in action. Photo: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine / Facebook Can hit targets 30 km away Gram says artillery shells are very useful for the Ukrainian defense. The artillery shells can be used, among other things, in the M109 that Norway has donated in the past. The 109 wagons have cannons that fire shells with a diameter of 155 millimeters. They can hit targets 30 kilometers away. Believes Russia is tied up in Ukraine The artillery shells are taken from the Defense’s warehouses, and are equipment that Ukraine has requested. – We have a long list that Ukraine wants. Primarily, it is air defenses, ammunition for their air defenses, artillery shells and long-range weapons that can cause losses to the Russian attack forces, says defense chief Eirik Kristoffersen. The consequences for national preparedness have been assessed, the press release states. – Does this mean that Norway considers the threat of Russia expanding the conflict area and directing it at us too small? – Right now the war is taking place in Ukraine, and it will take place there for quite some time. Russia has used significant parts of its ground forces in Ukraine, and they are going to be tied up in Ukraine for a long time. So right now there is no direct land-military threat to either Norway or other countries along the border with Russia, replies Kristoffersen. WEAPONS: The grenades can hit targets 30 kilometers away. Photo: Snorre Tønset / news Defense Minister Gram says they are further evaluating what Norway can obtain directly from the manufacturer to donate to Ukraine. This is how he answers the question of whether more arms deliveries can contribute to prolonging the war. – Ukraine must defend itself against a cold-blooded attack. It is very important for all of us that Russian aggression does not prevail. and we must help them in that struggle as long as necessary. The overview of what Norway has donated to Ukraine can be found here. HAS DELIVERED A LOT: Norway has sent defense material to the value of NOK 5–6 billion. Photo: Snorre Tønset / news
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Norway doubles the donations of its own weapons to Ukraine – news Norway – Overview of news from various parts of the country
