“The Nordic and Baltic countries have supported Ukraine since the first day of Russia’s war, and our support will not waver. We know Russia’s pattern of behaviour well – any sign of weakness only encourage further aggression. Ukraine must be strong, while Russia must remain under pressure,” Prime Minister Kristen Michal said.
According to the Prime Minister, Ukraine needs more air defence and ammunition, as well as greater investment in its defence industry. “Russia is not seeking peace but continues to attack Ukraine and its people. This is not the time to ease the pressure. Sanctions are working, and Russia’s war economy is under growing pressure. We must close the loopholes Russia uses to evade sanctions, restrict the activities of Russia’s shadow fleet and reduce the revenues Russia uses to finance its war.”
In the joint declaration, the leaders reaffirmed that Russia’s attempted annexation of Ukrainian territory is illegal and will never be recognised. Any peace agreement must be based on international law, respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and must not reward aggression. A just and lasting peace requires strong and credible security guarantees that enable Ukraine to deter renewed Russian aggression.
The NB8 countries pledged to continue providing Ukraine with political, military, financial, humanitarian and economic assistance. They will also deepen defence industry cooperation and joint production, including the development of drones, air defence capabilities, electronic warfare systems, ammunition and other critical defence technologies.
As winter approaches, the Nordic and Baltic countries will continue to help Ukraine protect, repair and restore its energy infrastructure. “Russia has previously tried to weaponise winter and make life as difficult as possible for the Ukrainian people. We must help Ukraine prepare and ensure that it has the necessary air defence,” Michal said.
In the declaration, the leaders call for tougher sanctions on Russia, tighter restrictions on its energy revenues, stronger action to prevent sanctions evasion through third countries and continued pressure on its shadow fleet. They also call for further progress on using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.
The leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s swift progress towards EU membership and called for all remaining negotiating clusters to be opened without delay, in September and October. “Ukraine’s place is in the European Union and NATO. Estonia will continue working to ensure that Ukraine becomes a member of both,” Michal said.
The joint declaration also highlighted the Ukraine Recovery Conference to be held in Tallinn in 2027. The conference aims to mobilise international political and financial support for Ukraine’s recovery and increase investment and partnerships.
The summit took place on Ukraine’s National Flag Day and on the eve of Ukraine’s Independence Day, celebrated on 24 August.
Full text of the joint declaration:
