Nordic countries support Ukraine's future membership in NATO, EU

The Prime Ministers of Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, along with the Presidents of Ukraine and Finland, made the statement following the second Ukraine-Nordic Summit.

The leaders of the Nordic countries reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine and expressed respect and recognition for the "resilience and spirit of the Ukrainian people, soldiers and leadership." "After facing Russia’s aggression for almost ten years, including more than 650 days of full-scale war, Ukraine continues to demonstrate extraordinary determination in exercising its inherent right of self-defence," the statement reads.

In addition, the Nordic countries declared that they will continue to provide military, economic and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, both individually and collectively, as well as within international formats and platforms, "as long as necessary."

As for military assistance, the statement emphasized that it would continue to be provided within the framework of the US-led Contact Group on Ukraine's defense (the Ramstein format). The Nordic leaders also stated that they would actively explore areas for additional support, "The Nordics will actively explore areas of additional support, including, but not limited to Maritime Security, Air Defence and Air Force, including Combat Aircraft." And they will work to deepen defense and industrial cooperation with Ukraine.

The document also states that the signatories "remain committed to increasing the international pressure to counter Russia’s ability to continue its illegal war, including through sanctions.” And they will continue to work with international partners to counter sanctions circumvention.

The Nordic countries reaffirmed their support for the joint declaration of the Group of Seven leaders on support for Ukraine of July 12, 2023, and agreed to start bilateral negotiations with Ukraine on security commitments.

In the final document of the summit, the participants called on Russia to immediately release and safely return to Ukraine all interned, forcibly displaced and illegally deported civilians, including children. They also assured that they would help counteract Russia's propaganda, disinformation, and destructive information influence.

In addition, the Nordic countries supported the Ukrainian Formula for Peace, based on respect for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with the UN Charter.

A separate point of the statement is support for Ukraine's efforts to restore its capabilities as a maritime power and, in particular, the Grain from Ukraine initiative. 

In addition, in the joint statement of the Ukraine-Northern Europe summit, the countries emphasized that they would continue to support Ukraine on its path to future NATO membership. They also reaffirmed their support for the opening of negotiations with Ukraine on accession to the EU.

"Together with the EU and international partners, the Nordics will continue to coordinate and align our support to Ukraine’s ongoing reform efforts and support Ukraine on its European path," the statement said.

What is known about the second Ukraine-Northern Europe Summit

As part of his participation in the second Ukraine-Northern Europe Summit in Oslo, Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the President of Finland, the Prime Ministers of Sweden, Denmark and Iceland.

Zelenskyy thanked Finland for accepting refugees and talked about the Peace Formula and how to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

During his talks with the Swedish Prime Minister, Zelenskyy focused on the upcoming European Council summit and the importance of taking historic steps for Ukraine and Europe as a whole.

Zelenskyy thanked Denmark for preparing another aid package worth more than €1 billion.

Separately, the President of Ukraine noted Denmark's leadership and significant contribution to the creation of an international coalition of fighter jets.

During a meeting with Prime Minister of Iceland Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of the Icelandic side's work to return home Ukrainian children illegally taken by Russia.

They touched upon the challenges for Ukrainian education related to the war and the provision of shelters for schools.

Other topics of conversation included the implementation of the Ukrainian peace formula and Iceland's readiness to join the implementation of the energy security clause.

King Harald V also received the President of Ukraine at an audience in the palace.