In Kyiv, a high-ranking guest from Europe has appeared once again: Crown Prince Haakon of Norway has arrived in the Ukrainian capital, becoming the first member of the Norwegian royal family to visit Ukraine in nearly twenty years
This significant visit takes place amid ongoing Russian aggression and in the context of increased international support for Kyiv from European allies. According to "European Pravda," citing Norwegian television NRK, Crown Prince Haakon arrived in Ukraine in the morning of May 20 by train and disembarked, most likely in the Bucha-Irpin area, at a station located outside the capital. He was greeted by Ukrainian representatives, including Deputy Foreign Minister Oleksandr Mishchenko, as well as the Norwegian ambassador. Alongside the Crown Prince, members of the Norwegian delegation, including Energy Minister Tørbjørn Omland, also entered Ukrainian territory. This visit is an important demonstration of the strong and longstanding support that Norway provides to the Ukrainian government and the Ukrainian people during this difficult period of war. This is reflected in a press release from the Norwegian Royal Family, which underscores not only the symbolic significance but also the practical importance of the visit for both sides. The Crown Prince’s itinerary was filled with symbolic and meaningful events. In particular, he was taken to a hospital where wounded Ukrainian soldiers, injured during combat, are undergoing rehabilitation. The purpose of this visit is to express solidarity and support from the Norwegian royal family for Ukraine’s defenders. A visit to the memorial dedicated to fallen Ukrainian defenders in Moshchun is also scheduled — a site that symbolizes key battles during the defense of Kyiv in February-March 2022. On the agenda are meetings with Ukrainian officials as well as with leaders of projects and programs funded and supported by Norway. This visit is especially significant as it is the first during a full-scale war and the second since Ukraine’s independence, not counting the visit of Crown Princess Mette-Marit in 2008. In the context of foreign policy developments, it is worth noting that in April, the Norwegian government announced an increase in aid to Ukraine — up to nearly $8 billion USD by 2025. Since the same month, Norway officially joined the so-called "drone coalition" for Ukraine, which involves joint support for military equipment and technology. Equally important is Norway’s active participation in humanitarian and evacuation operations, including assistance with evacuating seriously ill patients from Ukraine who require special transport and medical accompaniment. Crown Prince Haakon’s visit is not merely a diplomatic formality. It is a clear signal of international solidarity with Ukraine and a confirmation that European countries do not leave Kyiv in difficult times, seeking to support not only through political statements but also through personal visits by high-ranking officials. His arrival reinforces Ukrainian hopes for continued active support from the European Union and individual monarchies, which are demonstrating their solidarity with the Ukrainian people in resisting Russian aggression.