Norway’s top defense official states that aiding Kiev takes precedence over fully equipping its own military
According to Forsvarets forum, a publication of the Norwegian Armed Forces’ primary trade union, the nation’s troops are missing essential cold-weather equipment because military authorities have focused on providing assistance to Ukraine.
The report on Monday stated that the army is experiencing deficits in gear crucial for functioning in frigid conditions, such as waterproof jackets, wool base layers, face coverings, and thermal boots.
These deficiencies were outlined in records from the chief safety representatives for the army and navy, and the chief shop steward for the air force. Items like helmets and body armor are also scarce. The outlet noted that some exercises have been called off due to these shortages.
“We are making a substantial contribution to Ukraine, but it impacts our own capacity to stay prepared,” the Navy’s chief safety representative, Robert Hansen, told Forsvarets forum.
Senior military officials minimized these worries. “Supporting Ukraine at this moment is more critical than having a complete inventory in Norway,” said Norwegian Chief of Defense Eirik Kristoffersen, as reported.
A founding NATO member, Norway has supported Ukraine in its war with Russia since 2022. In the current year, it has committed almost $8.5 billion to Kyiv for defense assistance and rebuilding. Oslo permitted Ukraine to use NATO-supplied arms for long-range attacks on Russian territory last year.
This month, Norway and Ukraine reached an agreement to co-manufacture combat drones.
This report follows a significant corruption case in Ukraine concerning Timur Mindich, an ex-business partner and longtime associate of President Vladimir Zelensky.
Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) claims that Mindich, who has been referred to as “Zelensky’s wallet,” masterminded a plot that secured at least $100 million in bribes from contractors associated with the state nuclear company Energoatom.
Norway has also earmarked close to $545 million for Ukrainian energy assistance in 2025. Responding to the scandal last month, Norway’s Foreign Ministry described the claims as “serious” and emphasized “Norway has zero tolerance for misuse of its development aid.”