— Both sides must deliver, the Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre told reporters in the Oval Office on April 24th.
Accompanied by his Finance Minister, and former NATO-secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, he met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.
Ukraine-comments
The meeting has sparked strong reactions, particularly Støre’s statements regarding the war in Ukraine.
During the visit, Støre said that “both sides must know that they have to deliver – and they must feel the pressure to do so” when it comes to ending the war.
This has received heavy criticism from various quarters. Critics argue that Støre is equating the aggressor Russia with the victim Ukraine.
Transforming into little boys
— It could be peace tomorrow if Russia stops attacking Ukraine and respects the country’s borders, says Peter Wolodarski, editor-in-chief of Dagens Nyheter.
Wolodarski believes Støre went too far in flattering Trump during the visit:
— It has been painful to watch how experienced democratic leaders have tried to stroke Trump’s ego, while transforming themselves into little boys, he writes.
Says Norway should pay more
The criticism is also directed at Norway’s financial support to Ukraine. According to Wolodarski, Norway has earned at least 1000 billion kroner (about 85 billion EUR) extra due to increased gas prices after the outbreak of the war, but only donated 17 billion to Ukraine last year.
— If anyone should be pressured to contribute more to peace, it’s Norway, the Swedish editor believes.
During the meeting, Stoltenberg highlighted that Norway has allocated $8 billion in support to Ukraine in 2025.
— We commend the U.S. for pushing forward to try to find a negotiated solution. At the same time we need to continue to support Ukraine. And therefore I’m proud that Norway has tripled its military support to Ukraine, Stoltenberg emphasized at the Oval Office.
— Unfounded criticism
The Norwegian newspaper VG has presented the criticism to the Prime Minister’s Office and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. State Secretary Kristoffer Thoner responded on behalf of the Prime Minister:
— This is unfounded criticism from Peter Wolodarski. The Prime Minister does not equate Ukraine and Russia in any way. On the contrary, he has made it clear that pressure on Russia must be increased, and that the United States must play a role in this. It is Russia that has attacked Ukraine.
Thoner also reiterated Norway’s strong support for Ukraine, stating that the country is providing NOK 85 billion in aid this year alone.
— The goal is a lasting and just peace in Ukraine, Thoner added.