New aid package released by Ukraine, this time by Norway. The Scandinavian country has just approved a new program worth 2.6 billion crowns (221.8 million euros), the government announced on Monday. Considering that 100 million crowns (8.5 million euros) had already been allocated for maritime training and other measures for 2025, this brings the total to 2.7 billion crowns (230.3 million euros). 'euros), said the Norwegian executive.
These funds will be directed towards the Ukrainian navy in the Black Sea, waters bordered by Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania. Support will include donations from the Norwegian armed forces as well as military equipment purchased from industry for donation.
“Ukraine needs more support to deter Russian naval forces in the Black Sea in the coming times. It is essential to protect the Ukrainian population and infrastructure from attacks by the Russian Black Sea Fleet”Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said in a statement.
This support in the Black Sea is also crucial for « protect exports of grain and other products by sea, which generate crucial income for Ukraine”added the head of the Norwegian government. Because, despite Moscow's threats of shooting at boats sailing in these waters, kyiv has set up a corridor there from the summer of 2023 to export its agricultural products. However, its capabilities are reduced compared to before the war. The country was then one of the largest grain exporters in the world.
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Helping Ukraine clear mines
Norwegian funds will also be used for training Ukrainian soldiers and mine clearance operations. “The systems we provide will improve the ability of Ukrainian forces to detect and defuse mines along their coastline”added Defense Minister Bjorn Arild Gram.
“Mines pose a significant threat to maritime security and passage in the Black Sea, and mine clearance operations are very difficult”he stressed.
Ukraine has long accused Russia of using antipersonnel mines on its territory. Moscow would have disseminated these explosive charges in “cities, farms, public transport stations”according to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry. Buried or hidden on the ground, they explode when a person approaches them or comes into contact with them. Even years after being buried.
In total, mines and explosive remnants of war killed 580 people in Ukraine in 2023, according to the Landmine Monitor annual report. This research body is part of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), a network of non-governmental organizations that received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997. Worldwide, at least 5,757 people were killed or injured in 2023 because of these devices, compared to 4,710 the previous year.
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Europeans, unconditional support
This new support program promised by Norway was announced during British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to the Scandinavian state on Monday. As a reminder, the two countries are at the head of the Coalition for Ukraine's maritime capacity, launched in December 2023. It also comes at a time when the Europeans, including the British, are holding discussions to be associated with the probable negotiations. to come between Ukraine and Russia.
“The idea is above all to buy a place at the negotiating table. If Europe does not have something to offer, the negotiations risk taking place without it”explained to AFP Elie Tenenbaum, of the French Institute of International Relations (Ifri).
At the same time, Joe Biden's administration has increased aid to kyiv in recent weeks. Since the beginning of December, the United States has announced three new shipments of equipment, estimated at 725 million dollars (690 million euros), 988 million (940 million euros) and 500 million (477 million euros). The latest package was promised last Friday. It includes in particular ammunition for Himars rocket launcher systems, artillery shells, drones, military vehicles, protective equipment against chemical, radiological and nuclear attacks, according to the US State Department.
“We will continue to provide additional material until the end” of Joe Biden's mandate, assured John Kirby, the spokesperson for the National Security Council at the White House, the day before.
The Democratic president will hand over his seat to Republican Donald Trump on January 20. The latter promised to resolve the conflict even before he took office, without detailing his strategy. He actually has a little over a month left.
(With AFP)
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