Oslo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon and Parliament Speaker Masud Gharahkhani during his visit to Oslo, where he signed a joint declaration on enhanced defense and security cooperation. "I thank Crown Prince Haakon of Norway for the meeting. I informed him about the ongoing Russian strikes and the situation on the frontline," Zelenskyy stated on the US social media platform X.

According to Anadolu Agency, Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia has continued its strikes on Ukraine, prompting efforts to strengthen air defense and enhance protection in collaboration with Kyiv's partners. He highlighted the strategic partnership being built in the field of security and defense with Norway, expressing interest in a long-term partnership to bolster the defense potential of both countries, especially through a drone deal.

Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Norway, its government, and its people for the allocation of £9 billion in assistance this year, underscoring its importance for Ukraine. Earlier, he met with Gharahkhani and political party leaders, thanking lawmakers for their unwavering support throughout the years of Russian aggression.

The Ukrainian president acknowledged the significance of parliamentary support, valuing the Storting's unanimity on assistance to Ukraine. Zelenskyy arrived in Oslo after visiting Germany and met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, where they signed a declaration on enhanced defense cooperation. Zelenskyy is set to visit Italy later, meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella.