Norway's foreign minister says Putin's war strategy is faltering as aid sustains Ukraine

During the presentation of a fresh Norad analysis of Norwegian civilian support for Ukraine, Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide stressed that military aid alone is insufficient; sustaining power, lighting and daily life is crucial for Ukrainian morale. He highlighted the strong partnership between the Foreign Ministry and Norad, calling Norway's contribution vital. Referring to a bittersweet joke from his January visit to Kyiv, he remarked that Putin's planned short-term operation has stretched into its fifth year, signalling a severe setback for Russia.

Eide warned that the war's resolution will cast long shadows over the forthcoming post-war period. He pointed out that Ukraine's Patriot air-defence missiles are running low, complicating defence against Russian attacks. Finally, he described the relentless need to rebuild and protect Ukraine's energy infrastructure, which faces repeated destruction ahead of winter.