Ukraine’s Ambassador to Norway, Oleksiy Gavrysh, visited Trondheim this week and met with some of Trøndelag’s leading technology and defence environments.
The ambassador’s visit took place in connection with a delegation from the Zaporizhzhia region.
“The visit is part of a preliminary project aimed at establishing a formal friendship region between Trøndelag and Zaporizhzhia, and to lay the foundation for a more structured and long-term cooperation,” says defence coordinator Jens Junge.
The ambassador highlighted Zaporizhzhia as a strategically important partner. Governor Ivan Fedorov was originally scheduled to attend but was unable to travel.
“We are proud to show Ambassador Oleksiy Gavrysh the strength of Trøndelag’s technology and defence ecosystems. Our clusters, such as NORDSEC and Ocean Autonomy Cluster, bring together companies and research institutions delivering solutions highly relevant to resilience, preparedness and security. The ambassador’s clear engagement and technical insight made the visit particularly valuable. This gives us a solid basis for defining concrete areas of cooperation with Ukraine,” says County Mayor Tomas Iver Hallem, who hosted the visit.
In Trondheim, the ambassador visited Fremtidens Industri, NORDSEC Nordic Defence and Security Cluster and Ocean Autonomy Cluster, as well as selected member companies. Participants included defence coordinator Jens Junge, Ocean Autonomy Cluster manager Frode Halvorsen, Ebbe Deraas from NORDSEC, Øyvind Smogeli from Zeabuz and Tore Norheim Hagtun from Clarify.
The ambassador was given a demonstration of Zeabuz’s Remote Operations Center (ROC) and received presentations from both Zeabuz and Clarify.
Zeabuz develops autonomous maritime systems, including solutions for remote control and operation of unmanned vessels. Clarify is a software company delivering digital solutions for sensor processing and advanced situational awareness for defence and emergency preparedness purposes. Zeabuz is a member of NORDSEC, and both companies are members of Ocean Autonomy Cluster.
Gavrysh showed strong interest in the companies’ solutions and demonstrated solid technical expertise and a thorough understanding of their applications, particularly in light of Ukraine’s need for robust and flexible technological systems. As the ambassador stated:
“It is my service to help you and Ukraine. I have permission from both countries to facilitate cooperation between Norwegian companies and Ukrainian partners. Our task is to help you and to support Ukrainian companies.”
The visit is part of a broader programme linked to delegations from the Zaporizhzhia region, including regional and local authorities as well as representatives from universities and research institutions.
One of the main objectives of the visit is to identify concrete areas for cooperation within technology, preparedness and societal security, and to lay the groundwork for a more formalised regional partnership.
“This was a highly useful and relevant visit that helped clarify the landscape of stakeholders, while also giving us the opportunity to showcase representatives from the strong technology environments in both NORDSEC and Ocean Autonomy Cluster. That, in turn, will make it easier to present relevant technologies from member companies in support of Ukraine,” says Ebbe Deraas from NORDSEC.
Trøndelag and Zaporizhzhia have signed a Protocol of Intent following negotiations that began in 2025. The agreement marks a formal partnership between a Norwegian technology and research region and a Ukrainian frontline region facing the direct consequences of war.
For Zaporizhzhia, the agreement is of strategic importance. The cooperation will strengthen the region’s resilience within energy, healthcare, education, recovery and community development — areas essential for maintaining core societal functions during wartime.
From Trøndelag’s perspective, the region’s strengths in technology, research, agriculture and industry form the foundation for long-term cooperation. Projects may be supported through Norway’s Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine.
Ambassador Oleksiy Gavrysh has played a key role in connecting the two regions. Governor Ivan Fedorov and County Mayor Tomas Iver Hallem have led the work on their respective sides. The agreement is described as the beginning of a long-term and committed partnership between the two regions.
Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri