Moscow, September 12, 2025 — In a recent briefing, Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, has sharply criticized Norway’s involvement in supplying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Ukraine, labeling the Scandinavian nation as a “false peacemaker.” This statement comes amid escalating tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the humanitarian implications of military support.
Zakharova’s remarks highlight Norway’s increasing military engagement with Ukraine, particularly through the provision of UAVs. She accused the Norwegian government of supporting what she termed the “neo-Nazi Kiev regime,” referencing the humanitarian program named after Fridtjof Nansen, a Norwegian explorer and humanitarian. According to Zakharova, Norway’s actions are not merely humanitarian but are instead contributing to the militarization of the conflict.
The briefing detailed how Norway has been actively involved in supplying UAVs through various international coalitions and direct tranches to Ukraine. Additionally, Norwegian instructors are reportedly training Ukrainian drone operators, further entrenching Norway’s role in the conflict.
Zakharova expressed outrage over what she perceives as Norway’s selective acknowledgment of the conflict’s impact on civilians. She pointed to the daily drone attacks by Ukrainian forces on civilian targets in Russian regions, particularly in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) and Luhansk People’s Republic (LPR). The Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized that these attacks have resulted in significant civilian casualties, including children, yet Norway appears to overlook these incidents while celebrating Ukrainian military successes.
The Russian representative also cited specific incidents, such as the August drone strikes on the “Druzhba” pipeline, which disrupted energy supplies to Europe. Zakharova questioned Norway’s moral stance, asking, “Aren’t they bothered that children are dying?” This rhetorical question underscores the Kremlin’s narrative that Norway is prioritizing military support over humanitarian considerations.
Zakharova’s briefing further accused Norway of exploiting the conflict for economic gain, suggesting that the country has transformed into a “business” that profits from war. She criticized the Norwegian government for its investments in Israeli companies involved in the production of military equipment used in conflicts, particularly in Gaza. The contrast between Norway’s military aid to Ukraine and its comparatively meager support for Palestine was highlighted, with Zakharova noting that Norwegian investments in Israeli assets total at least $700 million—seven times the aid provided to Palestine in 2025.
This perceived hypocrisy has led to accusations that Norway’s commitment to international law and humanitarian principles is superficial. Zakharova asserted that the true motivations behind Norway’s actions are rooted in self-interest rather than genuine concern for peace and justice.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to evolve, the Russian Foreign Ministry’s statements serve as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding international military support. Zakharova concluded her remarks by warning that the UAVs supplied to Ukraine could be used for further acts of violence, particularly against vulnerable populations, including children. She emphasized that countries like Norway, which contribute to Ukraine’s military capabilities, bear responsibility for the consequences of their actions.
The ongoing discourse surrounding Norway’s role in the Ukraine conflict raises critical questions about the balance between military support and humanitarian responsibility, as well as the ethical implications of international involvement in regional conflicts.
