Zelenskyy Discussed Strengthening Air Defense and Securing F-16s with the Norwegian Prime Minister

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gar Støre. During the conversation, the parties discussed Ukraine’s needs for air defense and the provision of F-16 fighter jets to counter Russian escalation.

“We discussed what Ukraine needs to defend itself against this brutal escalation—first and foremost, air defense systems and the provision of our F-16s. We are coordinating our efforts and working to ensure greater protection of lives and security,” Zelenskyy wrote on his Telegram channel on Wednesday.

According to him, since the start of the day alone, 24 people have been wounded and seven have been killed as a result of Russian strikes on Ukraine, including a child.

He also informed Stere about the ongoing Russian attacks with drones and ballistic missiles.

“We are coordinating our efforts and working to ensure greater protection of lives and safety. I personally thank the Prime Minister and all of Norway for their unwavering support,” the president added.

Ukraine will receive nearly $6 billion from the U.S. and the EU to strengthen its air defense.

As a reminder, Fico does not want Slovakia to be drawn into the war under NATO Article 5.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated during a speech in Prešov that Europe is on the brink of a broader military conflict. According to him, tensions surrounding the war in Ukraine have reached an unprecedented level.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that the country is not a member of the “Coalition of the Willing” supporting Ukraine and demanded that France publicly refute reports of Bratislava’s alleged membership in this coalition.