Leaders of the Nordic and Baltic countries confirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine, advocated for its future membership in the European Union and NATO, and called for continued pressure on Russia. Key topics of the summit in Tallinn included strengthening air defense, developing joint defense production, and coordinating diplomatic efforts to end the war.
The Office of the President of Ukraine reported this following the summit in the Ukraine-NB8 format. The meeting was attended by the leaders of Estonia, Denmark, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Finland, and Sweden.
Zelenskyy: Europe is stronger when it acts together
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that cooperation with the Nordic and Baltic countries is an important tool for strengthening continental security and bringing the war to an end.
"Europe is strongest when Europeans act together, not separately. This is what we are achieving in all our formats," the head of state stated.
According to the president, the summit participants discussed three key areas: intensifying diplomatic efforts, strengthening Ukrainian air defense, and preparing for future EU, NATO, and G7 summits.
Special attention was paid to the PURL program, further funding of Ukraine's defense needs, and the creation of a European anti-ballistic defense system.
Support for Ukraine remains a common priority
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated that support for Ukraine is one of the key priorities of his country's current chairmanship of NB8. He emphasized that Russian attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure will not affect the partners' readiness to help Kyiv.
"We will help Ukraine achieve a just and lasting peace. Ukraine is not only defending itself—it is making Europe safer," he said.
Michal also stressed that Ukraine should become a full member of the EU and NATO. This position was supported by other meeting participants.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre noted the strengthening of Ukrainian positions on the frontline and confirmed readiness to continue assistance.
According to him, the NB8 countries agreed to focus on supporting air defense systems, protection against ballistic missiles, energy restoration, and preparing Ukraine for the next winter.
Europe must rearm together with Ukraine
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that Europe must accelerate rearmament and develop new defense technologies. She emphasized that Ukraine's experience is already influencing the development of European defense policy.
"Ukraine needs Europe. And it is equally important that Europe now needs Ukraine. Europe cannot rearm effectively without Ukraine," she noted.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo emphasized that Ukraine is currently in a stronger position than before and is capable of striking important targets on Russian territory. He also supported the opening of all negotiation clusters for Ukraine's EU accession before the summer break in European institutions.
In turn, Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir stressed that support for Ukraine is based on shared democratic values and principles of international law.
Ukrainian experience becomes important for European security
Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs called for the development of anti-drone forces in countries bordering Russia and expressed readiness to make new contributions to the PURL program.
"We must protect our skies. And no one knows how to do it better than Ukraine," he emphasized.
Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė stated that recent drone incidents have once again demonstrated the importance of strengthening NATO's eastern flank and transatlantic unity.
According to her, Ukraine has already accumulated unique experience that must be used to strengthen the security of other European states.
Summing up the meeting, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized that aid to Ukraine is an investment in the security of all Europe.
"By increasing pressure on Russia, we change Putin's calculations. And this will make all of us stronger," he stated.
As reported by OBOZ.UA, on June 9, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Tallinn for a summit of Ukraine and the Nordic-Baltic countries. Before the summit, he held important meetings with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. The parties discussed work on developing anti-ballistic defense and preparing an agreement in the Drone Deal format.
