Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held high-level talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, focusing on expanding defense cooperation, including a proposed drone agreement and enhanced air defense capabilities.
The meeting took place in Yerevan ahead of the upcoming European Political Community summit. Zelenskyy expressed appreciation for Norway’s continued backing, particularly its financial contributions nearing $1 billion to the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), a key framework supporting Ukraine’s defense needs.
Highlighting ongoing security challenges, Zelenskyy stressed that Russia’s continued missile strikes make sustained international funding and military support essential. He also outlined Ukraine’s urgent requirements ahead of winter, especially in securing adequate natural gas supplies.
Building on a defense agreement signed in April, both countries are advancing a joint drone initiative aimed at countering aerial threats, including Shahed drone attacks. The collaboration reflects Ukraine’s broader push to modernize its defense systems through technological partnerships.
Separately, Zelenskyy engaged with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, proposing a similar “Drone Deal” framework to deepen bilateral cooperation. He welcomed Finland’s recent $300 million defense aid package and emphasized the importance of strengthening air defense infrastructure.
Ukraine is also positioning itself as a key defense partner by offering to share battlefield expertise and technological capabilities with allied nations. According to Zelenskyy, a new cooperation model—centered on drone production, weapons supply, and technology integration—is already being implemented with partners across Europe, the Middle East, the Gulf region, and the Caucasus.
The initiative signals a strategic shift toward collaborative defense innovation, as Ukraine seeks to reinforce its military resilience while contributing to the security capabilities of its allies.
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