The government of Norway will allocate an additional $500 million for the purchase of American weapons for Ukraine under the PURL program.
Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide announced this, European Pravda reports.
The statement was made ahead of the NATO meeting in Brussels on Wednesday, December 3.
“Today Norway will announce an additional 500 million dollars for the PURL program, which will be provided in two packages: one with Germany and Poland, and one with Germany and the Netherlands,” the minister said.
Barth Eide explained the sharp increase in PURL contributions due to the need to support Ukraine precisely during the so-called “peace negotiations.”
“Now is the time to sharply step up support for Ukraine so that Ukrainians can negotiate from a position of strength,” he said.
The Norwegian Minister also stressed that even if the negotiations are successful, the need to reinforce Ukraine’s Defense Forces will remain.
“It is also important to remember that when the war ends, Ukraine must be strong and able to protect itself from a resumption of hostilities,” the Norwegian foreign minister added.
The previous funding for the purchase of American weapons for Ukraine, with Norway’s participation, was announced in mid-November, when the Nordic and Baltic countries allocated $500 million under the PURL initiative.
Ukraine and Norway will also jointly produce drones for defense needs.
