Ukraine and Norway Sign 'Drone Deal' and Strategic Partnership 'Elizabeth' Agreement

President Zelensky and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre signed two documents in Kyiv on August 23: a Defense and Security Cooperation Agreement under the 'Drone Deal' format covering joint production and development of unmanned systems and air defense across maritime, land, and air domains, and a Joint Declaration on a Strategic Partnership named the 'Elizabeth' agreement (after the medieval princess who became Queen of Norway). Zelensky said such partnerships should extend 'to every country in Europe,' noting Ukraine has now concluded comparable drone agreements with nine countries with fifteen more in development. Norway committed to maintaining roughly $9 billion in support for 2027 through its Nansen Support Programme, matching 2026 levels. The leaders also discussed strengthening Ukraine's air defense and winter preparations.