Norwegian intelligence: Russia gains advantage in Ukraine

The head of the military intelligence unit Nils Andreas Stensones, presenting the annual risk report together with other Norwegian security services, said that Kyiv would need significant Western military assistance to turn the situation around.

“In this war, Russia is now in a stronger position than a year ago and is looking to gain an advantage,” NA Stensones told reporters.

He said Russia can mobilize roughly three times as many troops as Ukraine, that Moscow is handling sanctions better than expected, and that the aggressor’s industry can now produce enough ammunition, combat vehicles, drones and missiles to sustain its troops year-round. .

According to the head of the service, Russia also receives military support from North Korea, Iran, Belarus and China. He pointed out that China does not supply weapons, but machines, vehicles, electronics and spare parts needed by the Kremlin’s arms industry.

“In order for the Ukrainian forces to defend themselves and regain the initiative in the conflict, the increased assistance of Western armaments would be needed,” said NA Stensones. He emphasized that Kyiv is asking for ammunition, long-range weapons, air defense equipment, tanks and fighter jets.

Norway, along with Denmark and the Netherlands, agreed to supply Ukraine with the F-16 fighter jets it had requested from its allies.

“Norway and Europe must be ready to take on greater responsibility to ensure their own security and that of their allies,” Norwegian Defense Minister Bjorn Arild Gram said.

The US has been Kyiv’s main military donor since the start of the Russian invasion, but Congress has failed to agree on a new aid package and the prospect of Donald Trump’s return to the White House has placed a greater responsibility on Europe to step up support.