Ladies and gentlemen,

Esteemed colleagues,

As we gather here at the Rebuild Ukraine conference in Warsaw, we approach a grim milestone-1,000 days since Russia launched its brutal and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.

During these thousand days, the Ukrainian people have shown courage and strength. They have endured suffering, and much of their country's infrastructure has been shattered by relentless bombings.

Nowhere is this devastation more critical than in Ukraine's energy sector, a lifeline that Russia has deliberately targeted as part of its warfare.

Power plants have been destroyed, power lines severed, and dams demolished. The nuclear plants, vital to the country's energy supply, are under constant threat.

Energy is the backbone of every society.

As an energy nation, Norway recognizes the significance of energy.

That is why our support for Ukraine's energy sector has been, and will continue to be, a top priority.

Through the Nansen Program and in formalized collaboration with international partners and Ukraine itself, we have dedicated ourselves to supporting Ukraine's energy resilience.

Through these efforts, Norway is directly helping to ensure energy security for people and industries in Ukraine.

Our commitment does not stop there. International cooperation enables us to coordinate effectively and achieve a greater impact together. European cooperation, both military and civilian, is essential in addressing this war within Europe.

Let me also add that I am especially pleased to see the number of companies represented here. We need the competence, know-how and products of the private sector to strengthen Ukraine's energy security.

Such as REN, a power supply company, which has coordinated donations from Norwegian energy companies since 2022. They have provided essential equipment-substations, emergency generators, and other critical assets-directly supporting Ukraine's power sector.

We need it all, policies, cooperation and private initiatives and investments. Because it appears that this war will not end soon.

This is not a message of despair - it is a message of hope.

That is why I stand here to affirm Norway's long-term commitment to supporting Ukraine.

We will continue to provide assistance for as long as it is needed. Ukraine's fight for peace and freedom is, in many ways, our fight as well-to preserve a free and democratic society in Europe.

Thank you!