Norway announced on Monday that it would be providing 2.7 billion crowns (242 millions of dollars) to help strengthen the Ukrainian Navy and deter Russian Naval Forces in the Black Sea.

The government stated that a large part of the funds will be used to improve the Ukraine navy's compatibility with Western allies through the Maritime Capability Coalition. This coalition was launched by Norway and Britain last year.

In a press release, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere stated that it was essential to protect Ukrainians and their infrastructure from Russian Black Sea Fleet attacks.

He added that it was important to protect grain exports and other products by sea, which generated vital revenues for Ukraine.

Support includes both donations from the Norwegian Armed Forces and military equipment that will be purchased from industry to donate later.

According to the government, funding will be used also for mine clearing operations and training Ukrainian soldiers.

In a statement, Bjoern Aild Gram, the Defence Minister of Norway said that the systems provided by Norway would enhance Ukrainian forces' ability to detect and defuse landmines along the coast.

(source: Reuters)