Such practical formats of cooperation as the NB8 (Nordic and Baltic countries) can help bring an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine and make Europe stronger in the face of any potential security threats, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said following the summit in Tallinn.
The Ukraine–Nordic–Baltic Summit was attended by: Prime Minister of Estonia Kristen Michal, Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Iceland Kristrún Frostadóttir, Prime Minister of Latvia Andris Kulbergs, Prime Minister of Lithuania Inga Ruginienė, Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo, and Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson.
“Europe is strongest when Europeans act together, not separately. This is what we are achieving in all our formats. On Sunday, we had the Ukraine–E3 format. Today, it is a Ukraine–NB8 meeting. And we stay in regular contact with the United States. We are preparing together for the upcoming EU and NATO summits, as well as for meetings around the G7 summit. All of this can bring real results,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.
During the summit, three key priorities were discussed: making diplomacy more active; ensuring Ukraine’s air defense needs and further contributions to the PURL initiative, as well as joint work on building a European anti-ballistic capabilities; and preparation for important meetings at the EU level, where, in particular, all negotiation clusters are expected to be opened.
The Prime Minister of Estonia condemned Russian strikes on Ukraine’s civilian and critical infrastructure and stressed that Russia’s aggression will not affect partners’ readiness to support Ukraine. According to Kristen Michal, cooperation between defense industries and armed forces must be deepened, joint production expanded, and experience exchanged.
“We will help Ukraine achieve a just and lasting peace. Ukraine is not only defending itself – Ukraine is making Europe safer,” he said.
Support for Ukraine is a priority of Estonia’s current NB8 Presidency. Kristen Michal stressed that Ukraine must become a member of the EU and NATO – a position shared by the other summit participants.
The Prime Minister of Norway noted that Ukraine has strengthened its position on the battlefield. His country is firmly committed to helping Ukrainians and supports all efforts to achieve peace.
“We have to be steadfast in our support. We have agreed on key points: air defense, defense against ballistic missiles, support for your energy sector, and humanitarian needs in preparing for winter,” Jonas Gahr Støre said.
The Prime Minister of Denmark believes that Russia threatens to use force against the Baltic states in order to spread fear and division. She stressed that Europe must rearm.
“We need new capabilities. We need to innovate. Because innovation determines the outcome on the battlefield. We see that in Ukraine every day. Ukraine needs Europe. And it is just as important that Europe now needs Ukraine. Europe cannot rearm effectively without Ukraine,” Mette Frederiksen said.
The Prime Minister of Finland stressed that Ukraine’s survival is a key security priority for Europe.
“The situation on the front has turned. Ukraine, which is defending itself, is today stronger than before. And it’s able to strike deep into Russia’s important targets. Russia has continued its illegal war of aggression, and it does seem to be ready to negotiate in good faith. But sanctions are working. Russia needs to stop its war that it started over four years ago,” Petteri Orpo said.
He also emphasized that the EU needs to open all negotiation clusters before the summer break.
The Prime Minister of Iceland stressed that her country continues to support Ukraine, which shares Europe’s common values.
“At the end of the day, all that we are discussing is values. That’s why we are all here together. Even though we are different countries – Iceland is a small non-military country. But we have values when it comes to international affairs, borders, and territories. That is why we stand firmly with Ukraine,” Kristrún Frostadóttir added.
The Prime Minister of Latvia noted that the Baltic states and countries bordering the Russian Federation must develop anti-drone capabilities. He also said that Latvia is ready to make further contributions to the PURL initiative.
“We need to protect our skies. And nobody else knows how to do it better than Ukraine,” Andris Kulbergs stressed.
The Prime Minister of Lithuania, Inga Ruginienė, said that recent drone incidents highlight the importance of NATO presence and credible deterrence on the Alliance’s eastern flank. She stressed that transatlantic unity is essential for the security of the region, Europe, and NATO as a whole.
“Ukraine has unique expertise. And we must learn from Ukraine. Under the most difficult circumstances, Ukraine shows experience that can be used in our countries,” she said.
The Prime Minister of Sweden concluded that joint support for Ukraine is an investment in Europe’s security and future.
“By increasing the pressure on Russia, we will change Putin’s calculations, which will make us all stronger,” Ulf Kristersson stressed.
