Ukraine and Norway will jointly produce 155 mm shells

Ukraine and Norway had agreed to jointly produce long-range 155 mm artillery shells, as Kyiv seeks to expand domestic and allied defense manufacturing during the war with Russia, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on May 11.

“Our soldiers on the front line, in virtually all combat brigades, are talking about long-range artillery caliber — long-range artillery shells. Kill zones are expanding, and the use of drones of all types remains a priority. But the soldiers themselves say artillery is still needed. And specifically long-range artillery,” the president said.

He added that Ukraine had reached an agreement with Norway on joint production of “long-range 155 mm shells — exactly the kind of ammunition that is needed.”

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also said preparations were underway for new diplomatic efforts, including a call with Alexander Stubb during which the two leaders “coordinated positions.”

On May 6, the Norwegian government announced it would provide Ukraine with 2.8 billion Norwegian kroner (about $302.8 million) through a mechanism for purchasing U.S. weapons for Ukraine. Norway has already contributed more than $13.4 billion through the initiative.

On May 3, Zelenskyy met in Yerevan with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.