Amid rising international tensions and a controversial announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate a peace deal, the Nordic and Baltic Prime Ministers gathered for an emergency meeting in Munich on Friday evening.
This high-level meeting occurred during the security conference, where leaders from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden—members of the Nordic-Baltic cooperation (NB8)—came together to discuss strategies to bolster Ukraine’s defense.
NB8’s priorities
A joint statement outlined the alliance’s immediate focus:
“Our priority now is to strengthen Ukraine. Our countries are among the largest contributors per capita of military aid to Ukraine. We will further strengthen our support.”
In a related statement issued by NB8, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment:
“We are fully committed to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ukraine should be given strong security guarantees.”
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s direct involvement in any peace process:
“There shall be no negotiation about Ukraine without Ukraine.”
A unified front for Ukraine
The emergency meeting underscored the collective determination of the Nordic and Baltic leaders to support Ukraine amid evolving geopolitical challenges. By enhancing military aid and working closely with international partners such as the USA, NATO allies, and the EU, these nations aim to secure Ukraine’s sovereignty and bolster its negotiating position for future peace talks.
This coordinated approach not only reflects the significant per capita contributions already provided to Ukraine but also sets the stage for further support. The NB8 leaders’ decisive language signals a robust commitment to ensuring that Ukraine maintains control over its destiny and territorial integrity.
The role of regional alliances
The meeting highlights the critical role that regional alliances play in addressing global security challenges. With a clear mandate to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses, the Nordic and Baltic prime ministers are poised to continue their collaborative efforts. Their unified message sends a strong signal to the international community about the importance of upholding Ukraine’s sovereignty and ensuring that any future negotiations fully include Ukrainian interests.
