Norway Increases Ukraine Aid to $7.8 Billion in 2025

OSLO, March 6, 2025 — In a significant increase to its support for Ukraine, Norway has announced a more than twofold increase in its financial commitment, raising its aid package to 85 billion Norwegian crowns, equivalent to approximately $7.83 billion. This enhancement of support comes amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions and emerging security concerns within Europe.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere revealed the new funding levels on Thursday, aligning with discussions among government and opposition leaders about bolstering aid to Ukraine. The new figure is a dramatic rise from the previously planned 35 billion crowns, which had been agreed upon in November.

Prime Minister Stoere emphasized the severity of the current security landscape, asserting that Norway is experiencing its most challenging security situation in 80 years. The increased aid is seen as a response to these heightened security needs and reflects Norway's resources gained from robust gas sales to Europe following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. "We face the most serious security situation our country has seen since World War II," Stoere said during his address to parliament. He indicated intentions to present a revised defense spending plan in the future as well.

The decision to increase aid to Ukraine coincides with ongoing discussions among European leaders, including a meeting in Brussels where European Union members, along with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, are expected to announce further financial support measures for Ukraine and strengthen their own defense initiatives.

While Norway is not a member of the EU, it is a participant in NATO, and this move aligns with a broader trend among European nations reevaluating their defense strategies and support for Ukraine amid uncertainties regarding U.S. military aid commitments.

In parliament, leaders from the opposition Conservative Party expressed their support for the increased funding, hinting that there may be further adjustments as the year progresses, contingent on the evolving international situation.

Ukrainian lawmakers, attending Stoere's address, welcomed the increased assistance. Volodymyr Kabachenko, a member of Ukraine's opposition Batkivshchyna party, remarked on the significance of Norway's financial support. He urged that Norway has the capacity to provide aid without incurring debt, underscoring the importance of their contribution to the security of not only Ukraine but also Europe at large.

Norway has seen its wealth fund, the largest sovereign wealth fund globally with assets reaching $1.8 trillion, benefit significantly from elevated oil and gas revenues. Inflows to the fund surged to approximately 1.1 trillion crowns, or around $100 billion, in 2023 alone, driving the call for increased aid and support to Ukraine.

As Europe grapples with the repercussions of the conflict and recalibrates its defense expenditures, Norway's commitment to significantly increasing its support for Ukraine reflects both solidarity with its neighbors and a proactive strategy in addressing national security concerns.