On February 24, Russia shocked the world and launched a full-scale invasion of neighboring Ukraine.

In the chaos that ensued in the weeks and months after the invasion, desperate Ukrainian authorities sought help from the outside world: not only was the country to be defended, assistance was needed to secure civilians and equipment to operate the country and could be expected in a war situation.

Waiting for a long time

On March 10, 2022, the Ministry of Climate and Environment received a request from the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Ukraine. Ukraine wants Norway’s help to provide protective equipment for forest and park rangers in the war-torn country.

It took three and a half months before the government responded to the Ukraine investigation, Dagbladet said now.

Dagbladet has gained access to “Requests to provide personal protective equipment and devices for the guardians of the Ukrainian national natural park», as per the request title.

Internal confusion after Russian pressure

Don’t have

It was not until June 28 that Ukraine received a response from the government. And the answer is not cheerful.

In a reply letter, the government said no to the war-torn country. The reason is that the government will not, or cannot, provide the equipment requested by Ukraine.

“We regret not being able to accommodate your request, as we do not have the equipment requested to donate”, wrote the ministry in a reply letter.

Sympathy was finally given to the “current situation” in Ukraine.

25 directors with millions of dollars in salary

– Total time required

The Ministry of Climate and Environment is led by Labor leader Espen Barth Eide.

«In an effort to find out if we have the opportunity to help Ukraine in this regard, it is necessary, inter alia, to coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Unfortunately, overall, it will take some time to clarify the problem of help», replied the Ministry of Climate and Environment to Dagbladet.

The ministry did not wish to comment further on the matter.

Stopping the treatment of the wounded soldiers

– surprised me

Acting MDG leader, Arild Hermstad, takes this problem seriously. He shook his head that Ukraine not only had to wait a long time, but also that his request was denied.

– I am surprised that it took the government more than three months to respond to a request from Ukraine in need which should have been answered and completed within a few weeks. What is requested here is by no means something that is difficult for Norway to fulfill quickly. “I don’t think the processing time of such cases is something to be proud of,” Hermstad told Dagbladet.

– Damage to nature and outside life is also a serious consequence of war. Vast areas of nature, along with humans and animals, are being bombed south and jointly by Russia, and it is imperative that Ukraine has the capacity to preserve basic civil services, such as the maintenance and supervision of parks and forests, Hermstad added.

Towards the great assembly of Ukraine

Mehl said stop

Dagbladet recently exposed the tug-of-war and confusion behind the scenes when Ukraine asked for injured soldiers to be treated in Norwegian hospitals.

The Labor-led Foreign Ministry agreed immediately, but then the Banner-led Ministry of Justice halted, and the process was delayed for four weeks, before Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl (Sp) reached the same conclusion as the Foreign Minister. Anniken Huitfeldt (Ap).

Information for Dagbladet: Skjæran is threatened with death

Consultation on Ukraine policy

Minister Mehl never stated that it was the Ministry of Justice that halted proceedings when he explained the matter at Storting this spring.

Written questions have now been asked about the case from Venstre leader Guri Melby, while the control committee leader, Peter Frølich (H), demands clear answers.

As Dagbladet also reports, it’s headed for a giant trial in Ukraine at Storting this fall. The aforementioned Mehl and Huitfeldt, as well as Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Ap), are expected to be called on the carpet to answer government proceedings when the war in Ukraine breaks out.