Nordic, Baltic leaders vow continuous support to Ukraine

Leaders of the Nordic Baltic states (NB8) on Sunday reaffirmed their unwavering solidarity with the Ukrainian people and steadfast support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.

The leaders in a joint declaration issued after the Ukraine–Nordic–Baltic Summit held in Kyiv, also condemned Russia´s aggression and vowed to continue to defend Ukrainians homeland, freedom, European security and the fundamental principles of the international order against Russia’s full-scale war, according to the declaration released by the Finnish President Office.

“The NB8 will continue to provide Ukraine with political, military, financial, development cooperation, humanitarian and economic support, and work through international coalitions and mechanisms, together with Allies and partners, to help ensure that Ukraine has the means to defend itself and its people against Russia’s aggression,” said the leaders in the declaration.

The Heads of State and Government of Ukraine and the NB8 – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden – have gathered in Kyiv on the occasion of the National Flag Day of Ukraine and to mark the 35th anniversary of restoration of Ukraine’s independence.

“As Russia continues to target Ukraine’s energy system, the NB8 countries will continue to support winter preparations and the protection, repair and restoration of critical energy infrastructure. We call on international partners to join these efforts. We will continue to work with Ukraine and other Allies and partners to ensure the provision of necessary air defence capabilities, including interceptors for ballistic missile defence. We must ensure that Russia cannot use the coming winter as another weapon against the Ukrainian people,” the declaration added.

Earlier on the day, President Alexander Stubb together with First Lady Suzanne Innes-Stubb arrived in Kyiv to participate in a Ukraine–Nordic–Baltic Summit and in a meeting of the Heads of State and Government of the Coalition of the Willing in support of Ukraine, said an official press release.

The presidential couple also attended the festivities marking the 35th Independence Day of Ukraine.

Commander of the Finnish Defence Forces Janne Jaakkola and a business delegation also visited Ukraine with the President.