OSLO: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on allies in Europe and the United States to maintain their support for Kyiv, emphasizing the urgency as internal disagreements in Brussels and Washington delay new aid packages for Ukraine.
Zelensky, currently in talks with the leaders of the five Nordic countries in Oslo, stressed the importance of international assistance in the face of ongoing challenges. “You can’t win without help,” he stated, following discussions with Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store.
Both the European Union and the US are grappling with internal disputes that are hindering the approval of multi-billion-dollar aid packages for Ukraine. As Ukraine’s counter-offensive launched in July falls short of anticipated results, Zelensky seeks to bolster support and is particularly relying on the Nordic countries to help finance the production of NATO-compatible weapons in Ukraine.
Nordic Countries’ Aid for Ukraine
The five Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) claim to have provided approximately 11 billion euros in aid to Ukraine since the start of the war in February 2022. In an op-ed published in the Financial Times, the Nordic leaders emphasized their ongoing commitment, stating that “now is not the time to tire.”
Norway, contributing to this effort, announced a donation of just over 250 million euros to Ukraine along with anti-air defense weapons. Denmark is set to propose a new military aid package to Ukraine worth almost one billion euros.
As European leaders convene in Brussels, discussions will include the opening of EU membership talks with Ukraine and the allocation of 50 billion euros in aid over the next four years. However, Hungary, a close ally of Russia in the EU, opposes these measures. Prime Minister Viktor Orban labeled opening EU membership talks with Kyiv as a “terrible mistake,” suggesting potential opposition to aid for Ukraine.
Zelensky, questioning Orban’s stance, expressed his willingness to hear one reason for the opposition, emphasizing that Hungary has “no reason” to block Ukraine from joining the EU.
Zelensky’s visit to Oslo follows a trip to the United States, where he sought additional military aid. While President Joe Biden approved a further $200 million in US military aid, Congress remains divided on a $60-billion aid package.
Republicans link the renewal of Ukraine aid to Democratic agreement on US-Mexico border security and immigration reform measures. Moscow, meanwhile, continues to claim battlefield advances and predicts potential failure for any new assistance to Kyiv.
