U.K., Norway Working on Defense Pact to Deter Russia

The U.K. and Norway are forging a new defense pact to fortify Europe’s security and send a clear warning to Russia.

During a visit to British troops stationed in Norway's High North, 400km inside the Arctic Circle, U.K. Defence Secretary John Healey reaffirmed the U.K.’s commitment to European security, calling Norway one of the U.K.'s most important allies. His Norwegian counterpart, Tore Sandvik, joined him at a border post near Russia, highlighting shared security concerns.

The agreement comes as the U.S. shifts its approach to Ukraine, engaging in direct talks with Russia and scaling back military funding, a move that has drawn criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The U.K. and Norway, key contributors to NATO’s Operation Baltic Sentry, continue to train Ukrainian forces and support the Ukrainian navy.

The officials also visited the U.K. ship RFA Proteus, currently in Bodø, ahead of upcoming Baltic Sea exercises. The vessel, equipped with drones and remotely operated vehicles, plays a role in protecting undersea infrastructure such as gas pipelines and communication cables.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands' defense ministry stated that European Union member states have trained over 70,000 Ukrainian soldiers under EU Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM) which has operated since late 2022 to enhance Ukraine’s military capabilities. Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans visited training sites in Germany, noting the mission’s extension until mid-November 2026. Conducted entirely on EU territory, EUMAM provides basic, advanced, and specialist training in medical aid, CBRN, demining, logistics, communication, maintenance, leadership, and operational skills.