Coalition of the Willing working to pave way for just and lasting peace in Ukraine – Norwegian PM
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre reaffirmed Norway's unwavering support for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, calling it a matter of security and stability for Europe and the world, and noted the importance of Norway's military assistance to Ukraine.
"Now, as we gather here, brave Ukrainian soldiers are fighting for the entire Ukrainian community, as well as for Europe and global values... And now, dear friends, specialized workers at a factory in my country, Norway, are producing defense materials and new equipment that will help your army. And now there is a coalition of the willing, partner countries in Europe and the United States, who are constantly working on how best to support Ukraine in its defense, how to pave the way for a just and lasting peace," Stere said during a National Prayer Breakfast with the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Monday. He called it a great honor to speak at the prayer breakfast and noted that all world religions call on their believers and followers to show solidarity. "Holy books glorify the sanctity of human life and therefore call on us to show compassion, devotion and faith. Dear friends, what we see in Ukraine is aggression and war, it is contempt for life. We must do everything in our power to stop this war, knowing that one person, the leader of Russia, could end it now, in an instant. We must make every effort to work for the good of peace with our hands, minds, resources and prayers," said the head of the Norwegian government.
Zelenskyy, in turn, thanked Støre and Norway for their support. "Thank you to everyone who is with our people... It is very important to feel that there is such great support, that in this battle - and this is a real battle, of good and evil - we have help, military, important help. But not only that there is not only military help, that there is help for our people, and above all, spiritual. And there are allies in values, allies in the struggle that Ukraine is waging," the president said.
"This fight for life is the most important thing that we have. And when we see your deeds, when we hear your words of support, when we hear your prayers for us, for our people, for our children, for Ukraine. In general, we know that we are not alone. And we are on the bright side of history," Zelenskuy added.
