Norwegian govt proposes increasing Ukraine support program to $12.7 bln

MOSCOW. Oct 8 (Interfax) - The Norwegian government has proposed increasing the overall funding framework for the Nansen Support Program for Ukraine to 135 billion Norwegian kroner (NOK), an equivalent of $12.7 billion, and extending it for an another three years, Ukrainian media report with reference to the Norwegian government website.

The proposed figure is meant as a minimum rather than a funding cap, the government said.

The Norwegian government will regularly reassess the need for increasing the funding. "We are increasing the allocation for 2024 to a total of NOK 27 billion. At the same time, we are extending the Nansen Support Program for Ukraine for an additional three years and increasing the overall funding framework from NOK 75 billion to NOK 135 billion," Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store was quoted as saying.

Since the start of the crisis in February 2022, Norway has provided Ukraine with approximately NOK 52.6 billion, including NOK 24 billion as civilian support.

The government's proposal has yet to be approved by parliament to take effect.

The Nansen Support Program for Ukraine includes military support, humanitarian aid, funding to maintain civilian infrastructure and critical societal functions, as well as funding to support the reconstruction of Ukrainian society, when this becomes possible.