Diplomat Foreign Desk
OSLO,DD: Norway is providing an additional NOK 1 billion in funding for gas imports to Ukraine to ensure an adequate gas supply for the general population, businesses and industry before the country enters its fourth winter of full-scale war.
‘President Zelensky has asked for our support to secure access to electricity and heating for people in Ukraine before the onset of a new winter. I am very pleased that we are able to meet this request,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.
Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has been severely damaged by more than three years of full-scale war and repeated Russian attacks. The new funding comes in addition to a previous contribution of NOK 1 billion, made in March 2025, to support the purchase of gas by Ukraine.
‘We are shouldering our share of the responsibility for supporting Ukraine at this critical time. We have been an important partner to Ukraine in the energy sector for a long time, and we will continue to be,’ said Mr Eide.
The overall support provided by Norway in 2025 is expected to secure gas supplies, and thus also provide heating and electricity, for around one million families during the 2025–2026 heating season. The funding will be used to procure gas from Western sources. As previously, the funding will be channelled through the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the Ukrainian state-owned gas company Naftogaz will be the recipient.
‘By investing in Ukraine’s energy transition while also increasing our support to ensure that the Ukrainian people have access to electricity and heating this winter, we are enhancing Ukraine’s energy security and helping to meet the population’s fundamental needs, both now and in the years to come,’ said Mr Eide.
The imported gas will be used to meet consumption needs and to increase gas reserves in the event of further attacks on the gas infrastructure. The funding is being provided under Norway’s Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine. Since 2022, Norway has provided a total of NOK 4.6 billion in funding to support the procurement of gas by Ukraine. (press release)
