Norway to increase civilian support to Ukraine
Government of Norway
News story | Date: 15/10/2025
The Norwegian Government is proposing an increase of NOK 15 billion in civilian support to Ukraine in 2026. The proposed allocations for support to Ukraine in 2026 will total a minimum of NOK 85 billion, thus maintaining the overall extraordinary level of civilian and military support provided in 2025.
Russia is continuing its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, and Norway remains unwavering in its support for Ukraine in its fight to defend itself. The Norwegian Government is therefore proposing to maintain its record-high support of NOK 85 billion to Ukraine in 2026. Some NOK 15 billion will be provided as civilian support and NOK 70 billion as military support.
'The Government's aim is for Ukraine to be able to determine its own future. The support provided for Ukraine's fight for freedom is not only essential in enabling Ukraine to defend itself, but also serves to enhance Norwegian and European security,' said Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik.
'For the Ukrainian people to withstand Russia's war of attrition, it is crucial to keep the wheels of society turning. It is not just a question of winning the war; Ukraine also needs to achieve peace on its own terms. That is why the Government is proposing to increase civilian support by NOK 2.5 billion to a minimum of NOK 15 billion next year. This funding will be used to ensure that Ukrainian homes have access to lighting and heating, keep hospitals and schools running, and provide life-saving assistance to those living closest to the front line,' said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.
The additional funding will be used to enhance energy security, facilitate reconstruction and provide budget support for the Ukrainian authorities as well as to double the allocation to Norfund's Ukraine Investment Fund. Norfund make investments in Ukraine's business sector that would not otherwise be undertaken due to the high level of risk. A well-functioning business sector is vital to the reconstruction of the country. Humanitarian support will also be increased.
'I will never forget the destruction I saw during my visit to Ukraine in March. When I was on my way to Kharkiv, which lies just a few kilometres from the front, Russia carried out a drone strike on a residential area in the city's outskirts. The apartment buildings were still burning when I arrived. Russia's illegal war of aggression is killing families and destroying homes and critical infrastructure. This is why we are increasing our support to strengthen Ukraine's resilience, including humanitarian assistance next year,' said Mr Eide.
NOK 70 billion in military support in 2026
Ukraine's fight for freedom is also important for Norway's safety and security, and most of our funding will continue to be provided as military support.
'The Government will continue its training activities, including further developing a joint Nordic-Baltic-Polish initiative to provide equipment and training for Ukrainian personnel. We will also strengthen efforts under the Maritime Military Capability Coalition for Ukraine, procure equipment from the Ukrainian defence industry and continue to strengthen Ukraine's top-priority military capabilities, such as artillery, drones, autonomous systems and air defence,' said Mr Sandvik.
'The defence industry has come to play an increasingly important role in maintaining overall support to Ukraine. In 2026, the Government will continue to give priority to these efforts and will promote increased industrial cooperation and further development of the Norwegian model for investing in Ukrainian defence companies,' said Mr Sandvik.
If the Storting (Norwegian parliament) approves the budget proposal, it will bring the overall funding framework for Norway's support to Ukraine to NOK 275 billion for 2023-2030.
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