Norway will continue its multibillion-dollar military and civilian support for Ukraine’s resistance against Russia’s invasion into next year, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said Monday during a visit to Kyiv, as U.S.-led peace efforts remain uncertain.
Speaking alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Store, whose country shares a border with Russia, said Ukraine is “defending a critical principle on the European level” by refusing to accept Russia’s occupation of its territory.
Kyiv has seen a series of high-level visits in recent days, reflecting global concern over the U.S.-led peace initiative, which has yet to yield a breakthrough. U.S. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg attended Ukraine’s Independence Day celebrations on Sunday, with Zelenskyy scheduled to meet him later Monday and hold further discussions with senior U.S. officials by week’s end.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Kyiv on Sunday, pledging 2 billion Canadian dollars in aid. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited last Friday, and Germany’s Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil arrived Monday to discuss how Berlin can support Ukraine in a potential peace process.
Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump announced preparations for direct talks between Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, but Russian officials have indicated no summit will take place soon. Trump said he will decide on next steps within two weeks if talks do not materialize. Analysts suggest Putin is relying on his larger army to gain territory while peace negotiations are ongoing.
On the military front, Norway pledged about 7 billion kroner ($695 million) for Ukraine’s air defense systems, jointly funding two U.S.-made Patriot anti-missile systems with Germany, and assisting with radar procurement, Store said.
Ukraine reported that Russia launched 104 strike and decoy drones overnight targeting northern and eastern regions, with no immediate reports of damage. Ukraine has also carried out long-range drone attacks inside Russia, disrupting oil refineries, military depots, and transport hubs, causing temporary closures at airports.
On Sunday, an Egyptian flight carrying Russian tourists from Sharm El Sheikh to St. Petersburg was diverted to Tallinn after a drone attack temporarily closed the Russian airport, according to Estonian daily Postimees. Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry said 23 Ukrainian drones were intercepted overnight and Monday morning across seven Russian regions.