The Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine
The Nansen Programme for Ukraine is a Norwegian support programme for both civilian and military aid, with a total budget of NOK 205 billion for the period 2023–2030. In December 2024, both the budget and the duration were extended, and in March 2025, the budget was further increased by NOK 50 billion.
Натисніть тут для версії українською мовою
The Nansen Support Programme aims to help Ukraine decide its own future, protect its territory and population from Russian attacks, maintain critical societal functions and reduce human suffering. Further, the Programme shall also help to rebuild a safe and free Ukraine.
Ukrainian needs form the basis for the Norwegian support, which is coordinated with the Ukrainian government and international partners. The civilian and humanitarian support is administered by Norad and channelled predominantly through agreements with established, internationally recognised organisations with a documented ability to deliver, good capacity and solid control systems.
Situation and background
The Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 represents a turning point for Europe and a serious threat to international peace and security. The Storting (the Norwegian parliament) stands united in condemning Russia’s war against Ukraine. Norway’s commitment through the Nansen Support Programme assures the Ukrainian people and the international community that Norway supports Ukraine’s war of self-defense and sovereignty in the long term.
The Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine makes a clear distinction between military and civilian support. Norad administers the civilian and humanitarian support on behalf of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while the Norwegian Ministry of Defence is responsible for the military support.
The civilian support prioritises contributions to maintain civilian infrastructure and supports the Ukrainian government in safeguarding critical societal functions, as well as humanitarian efforts.
The impact of Russia’s war is so far-reaching that it will take years to rebuild the country. Ukraine will therefore be in need of international support for a long period of time. To facilitate the best possible use of Norwegian funds, the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine is flexible and maintains a long-term perspective. The Nansen Support Programme’s priorities in the coming years will be presented to the Norwegian Parliament, Stortinget through annual budget proposals.
The civilian and humanitarian support provided through the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine also supports efforts in neighbouring countries affected by the impact of the war, with a particular focus on Moldova.
Norway’s total commitment to Ukraine extends beyond this Programme. Core support for UN organisations, civil society partners and international financial institutions, for example, is provided outside of the Nansen Support Programme.
Fridtjof Nansen and Ukraine
The Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine is named after Fridtjof Nansen (1861-1930), a Norwegian scientist, polar explorer, diplomat, philanthropist and humanitarian worker. Following the First World War, Nansen devoted much of his life to working on behalf of prisoners of war, refugees, and victims of starvation in Eastern Europe, including Ukraine. He did this both as a representative of the League of Nations and at his own initiative. From 1920 to 1930, Nansen was the League of Nations’ first High Commissioner for Refugees. In 1922, Fridtjof Nansen was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian and peace work.
Welcome ceremony for Fridtjof Nansen at Kharkiv railway station on 28 January 1923 during a visit to the Nansen Mission.
Welcome ceremony for Fridtjof Nansen at Kharkiv railway station on 28 January 1923 during a visit to the Nansen Mission. Photo: National Library of Norway
Find out more
If you have any questions about the Programme, please contact NORAD’s Department for the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine.
