The Ukrainian helicopter pilot and member of parliament Nadia Savchenko has been in prison ever since she was captured in eastern Ukraine in 2014 and illegally transferred to Russia, where a trial against her is ongoing. Following the adjournment of her trial before the weekend, postponing what was meant to be her last day in court, Ms Savchenko has started a hunger strike, and is refusing food and water.

‘Norway expects Russia to comply with its international obligations. This includes the obligation under the Minsk agreements to release all Ukrainian citizens who are illegally detained in Russia and allow them to return to Ukraine,’ said Mr Brende.