Volodymyr Zelensky: Ukraine needs at least $1 billion a month to buy US weapons

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said today that Kiev aims to secure at least $1 billion a month from its allies to buy US weapons for its military actions against Russia, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.

He made the statement during a joint press conference in Kiev with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, where he also said that Norway could contribute to Ukraine's security guarantees when it comes to air defense and maritime security.

Zelensky added that he plans to discuss with US special envoy Keith Kellogg preparations for a possible meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
At the press conference with the Norwegian Prime Minister the Ukrainian president said that representatives of the United States and Ukraine are expected to meet on this issue, as well as on the issue of potential security guarantees, later this week.

Ukraine is counting on Norway's help, especially in purchasing gas, as Russia strikes natural gas production facilities and power plants in Ukraine, calling into question preparations for winter, Zelensky said at a press conference with Støre, Ukrinform reported.

"Russia is trying to hinder our preparations for winter by striking our energy infrastructure. This affects not only electricity and heat production, but also natural gas production. That is why we highly appreciate Norway's assistance in assisting Ukraine in purchasing gas," he said.

Zelensky noted that last year at least one million Ukrainian families had heating in their homes thanks to cooperation with Norway.

Norway is allocating about 7 billion Norwegian kroner ($696.12 million) to finance air defense systems for Ukraine, Ukrinform added.

The Norwegian government will propose to allocate 85 billion kroner (7.2 billion euros) in aid to Ukraine next year, as well as in 2025, the office of Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced today, the day he visited Kiev, AFP reported.

If the proposal is adopted by parliament, it will result in a total aid, civilian and military, of 275 billion kroner (over 23 billion euros), which Norway, one of the main supporters of Ukraine, plans to provide Kiev for the period 2023-2030, summarizes AFP.