The summit focused on continued support for Ukraine, as well as closer cooperation with the country. “Helping the Ukrainians is a two-way street,” Prime Minister Kristen Michal remarked. “We are supporting them with money and weapons, while they are supporting the rest of the world in the fight against drones using the latest technology – which, as things currently stand, is very much needed.”
The head of government said that pressure would continue to be placed on Russia in every possible way. “Estonia’s efforts to combat the Russian shadow fleet are appreciated and supported by our allies, who themselves are also intercepting dangerous vessels,” he explained. “Together, we can more effectively cut off the supplies that keep Putin’s war machine running.”
Prime Minister Michal went on to note that the Russian economy is faltering. “At least 40% of Russia’s oil export capacity has been disrupted by drone attacks on strategic ports and the impounding of vessels in the shadow fleet,” he stated. “This is the most serious disruption to oil supplies in Russia’s recent history. It is vital that we press ahead with sanctions and with the European ban on Russian fighters.”
In addition to the leaders of the Participant Nations attending the summit in person, Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada took part via video link. The head of government pointed out that the security of the Baltic Sea and of the Arctic are linked. “Our discussions with Prime Minister Carney today showed Canada’s strong commitment to our region,” he said. “The JEF is an important format of military cooperation for Estonia, as it strengthens both our national defence and the deterrence of the Baltic Sea region as a whole.”
The increasing number of incidents involving unmanned aircraft was also discussed at the summit. The Participant Nations highlighted the urgent need not only to invest in capabilities to detect and repel drones, but also to explore options for a joint response.
The JEF is a coalition of 10 countries which includes Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom (lead nation). It is a high-readiness force configured to resolve crises before NATO’s Article 5 is triggered. The Participant Nations are united by their readiness to contribute rapidly and flexibly to operations ranging from humanitarian crises to military action. The crisis response measures developed as part of the JEF complement NATO’s activities.
The last JEF summit took place in Oslo in May 2025. Prior to that, Estonia hosted JEF leaders in Tallinn in December 2024. The next summit will take place in Iceland in 2027.
The full text of the joint statement of JEF leaders from the Helsinki summit is available online (in English) at https://www.presidentti.fi/en/jef-helsinki.
Gallery: https://www.flickr.com/photos/stenbockimaja/albums/72177720332729527
