ATHENS

Norway on Thursday approved a new arms package to Ukraine, worth 480 million Norwegian krone ($45 million).

The package includes 81mm mortars shells, which will be transferred from the Norwegian army’s stocks, according to the Defense Ministry’s statement.

The move aims to help prevent a greater Russian advance, said Defence Minister Bjorn Arild Gram.

Earlier, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store announced his country will contribute 2.7 billion Norwegian krone to bolster Ukraine's air defense.

On Tuesday, Germany said it will join hands with Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands to send 100 Patriot missiles to Ukraine. ​​​​​​​