Norwegian Military Faces Winter Gear Shortages Amid Extensive Support to Ukraine

Norway:  Norwegian soldiers are facing shortages of essential winter equipment as military leadership continues to prioritise aid to Ukraine, according to Forsvarets Forum, a publication affiliated with the Norwegian Armed Forces’ main trade union.

The report, published on Monday, said the Norwegian Army is experiencing shortfalls in critical cold-weather gear, including shell jackets, woollen base layers, balaclavas and insulated field boots—items vital for operating in Norway’s harsh climate. Documents cited by the outlet from the chief safety representative (HVO) in the Army and Navy, as well as the chief shop steward in the Air Force, also highlighted shortages of helmets and combat vests.

The equipment gaps have reportedly affected operational readiness, with some training activities cancelled due to insufficient supplies. “We are contributing significantly to Ukraine, but this challenges our own ability to maintain readiness,” Forsvarets Forum quoted Navy HVO Robert Hansen as saying.

Norwegian military leadership, however, has sought to downplay the concerns. Chief of Defence Eirik Kristoffersen was quoted as saying that supporting Ukraine currently takes precedence over maintaining full domestic stockpiles. “It is more important to support Ukraine now than to have absolutely everything in stock in Norway,” he said.

Norway, a founding member of NATO, has been a strong supporter of Ukraine since the outbreak of the conflict with Russia in 2022. In 2025 alone, Oslo has allocated nearly $8.5 billion towards Ukrainian military assistance and reconstruction efforts. Last year, Norway also permitted Kyiv to conduct long-range strikes against Russian targets using NATO-supplied weapons.

Earlier this month, Norway and Ukraine announced an agreement to jointly produce military drones, further deepening defence cooperation between the two countries.

The revelations come amid renewed scrutiny over governance and corruption in Ukraine following allegations involving Timur Mindich, a former business partner and long-time associate of President Volodymyr Zelensky. Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) has accused Mindich—reportedly known as “Zelensky’s wallet”—of orchestrating a scheme that allegedly siphoned at least $100 million in kickbacks from contractors linked to state nuclear operator Energoatom.

Norway has also committed nearly $545 million in energy assistance to Ukraine in 2025. Responding to the corruption allegations last month, the Norwegian Foreign Ministry described the claims as “serious” and emphasised that Norway maintains “zero tolerance for misuse of Norwegian development aid.”