Ukraine’s New Defence Attaché Takes Over in Norway

Norway’s Chief of Defence, General Eirik Kristoffersen, announced the change in a Facebook post, thanking outgoing attaché Colonel Serhii Harbarenko for his service. Harbarenko has represented Ukraine in both Norwayand Sweden.

“Thank you for your efforts, Serhii,” Kristoffersen wrote.

The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ diplomatic list, updated on 26 October, names Iliashov as defence, military, air and naval attaché in Oslo. The same register lists Harbarenko with Stockholm as his duty station.

Photo: Forsvaret

Military representation in Oslo

Iliashov’s posting places the military representative in the Norwegian capital, alongside an embassy led by Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksiy Gavrysh. A defence attaché serves as a military diplomatic contact, helping maintain relations with the host country’s armed forces and defence authorities.

The handover follows recognition of Harbarenko’s work to strengthen Ukraine’s Nordic defence relationships. The Swedish Armed Forces named him among the recipients of its gold medal for distinguished service on Veterans Day, 29 May.

The award citation credited his efforts with making a significant contribution to deeper defence cooperation between Ukraine and Sweden.

Cooperation shaped by Ukraine’s needs

The change comes during an extensive Norwegian programme of military assistance to Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s invasion.

In February, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre set out the government’s military support priorities for 2026, saying they had been agreed in close consultation with Ukrainian authorities.

Drones, air defence and artillery ammunition were among the priorities. The government also allocated support for maritime security, the training of Ukrainian personnel and efforts to equip Ukrainian forces.

The assistance forms part of the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine, which combines military aid with civilian and humanitarian support. Its military commitments include a joint Nordic, Baltic and Polish initiative to train and equip a Ukrainian brigade.