Berlin: Norway has expressed readiness to assist Germany in financing Patriot missile systems for Ukraine, as announced by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store during a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin.
According to Deutsche Welle, Store emphasized Norway's commitment to sharing the financial burden, stating, "Norway is prepared to share the bill. We will make a significant contribution. This is the most immediate operational solution we can provide." Chancellor Merz expressed gratitude towards Norway for its dedication and willingness to share the costs associated with necessary replacement purchases.
Norway has previously provided Ukraine with significant air defense support, including the Norwegian-made NASAMS system. Store commended Germany for its clear signal of readiness to deliver a Patriot system, adding that clarification from the United States on operational logistics would be beneficial. He mentioned former President Trump's contribution to the discussion, calling for clarity in the process.
In other developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced plans for a new round of talks with Russia, scheduled for Wednesday. Previous negotiations in Istanbul resulted in prisoner of war exchanges but failed to achieve substantial progress towards a ceasefire. Zelenskyy stated that the upcoming talks would focus on the return of Ukrainian POWs and children abducted by Russia, rather than detailed ceasefire discussions.
Meanwhile, Ukraine's domestic security service arrested an official from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) on suspicion of espionage for Russia. The SBU, Ukraine's security service, detained the suspect, who allegedly transferred classified information to a Russian contact. Additional arrests were made, including NABU official Ruslan Maghamedrasulov, over suspected business ties to Russia.
On the international front, the United Kingdom imposed new sanctions targeting Russia's "shadow fleet," which is believed to circumvent sanctions on Russian oil exports. The sanctions, aimed at 135 oil tankers and two Russian companies, are intended to disrupt the flow of oil revenue into Russia's war efforts.
Furthermore, Ukraine's Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal highlighted the need for over $6 billion in military support to increase Ukraine's weapons production in 2025, emphasizing the urgent requirement for more air-defense systems and long-range weapons.
In Italy, the Royal Palace of Caserta canceled a concert by Russian conductor Valery Gergiev, known for his pro-Kremlin stance, following public outrage. The Italian Cultural Minister cited the decision as a measure to protect the values of the free world.