Oslo, 2 June 2022 (TDI): Norway’s Government announced its decision to bring wounded soldiers from Ukraine to Norway for medical evacuation and treatment at Norwegian hospitals.
The Norwegian Gov. has decided to bring wounded soldiers from #Ukraine to 🇳🇴 for medical evacuation & treatment
We are already one of the largest contributors to the medical evacuation scheme for civilians from the war in Ukraine #StandWithUkraine
👉https://t.co/M58fdFHZzH pic.twitter.com/6OshSScVD1
— Norway MFA (@NorwayMFA) June 2, 2022
The Minister of Justice and Public Security, Emilie Enger Mehl, said Norway already is one of the biggest contributors to the medical evacuation scheme for civilians from the war in Ukraine. Therefore, the government of Norway made the decision to also bring wounded soldiers to Norway.
Mehl highlighted the possibility of bringing the wounded soldiers to Norway as part of the country’s efforts under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. He stated that it will be within the frame of 550 patients through the Medevac program that had been agreed before.
The Minister admitted that Norway lacks experience with the medical evacuation of wounded soldiers from ongoing conflicts. Also, they had to ensure that the rules permit the inclusion of wounded soldiers in the medical evacuation program.
Mehl further explained that extensive expertise in the treatment of burns, trauma, and rehabilitation is found at Bergen Hospital Trust, Oslo University Hospital Trust, and Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital.
On the other hand, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned Norway’s unique expertise in such areas during his address to the Storting.
Norway’s reaction to Russian Attack on Ukraine
As a result of the ongoing Russian war in Ukraine, Norway reacted with several policy implementations, the majority of which align with the EU, US, NATO, UN, and other international policies. Because Norway views it as very important for the international community to take action in unity to support Ukraine and counter Russian aggression.
Initially, the government of Norway condemned Russia’s attack on Ukraine, and the Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre classified it as a ‘serious violation of international law’.
Most importantly, changes in Norway’s foreign policy have included downgrading its diplomatic relations with Russia to a minimum and altering its laws concerning the sales and export of weapons to a country in conflict.
