Foreign ministers from the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) countries—Sweden, Norway, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Denmark—arrived in Odesa, Ukraine, to discuss strengthening the country's defense and energy resilience ahead of the winter season. The delegation also engaged in discussions about President Volodymyr Zelensky's Victory Plan and his peace formula.
The visit was reported by Andriy Sybiha, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine. He stated:
"We welcome our colleagues from the Nordic-Baltic Assembly in Odesa. We discussed strengthening Ukraine's defense and energy resilience before winter. We presented President Zelensky's Victory Plan and Peace Formula to the world. We value the leadership and strong support of our friends."
During a press conference in Odesa, Sybiha noted that the diplomats visited a memorial dedicated to fallen soldiers and participated in the dedication of a military hospital. They also volunteered by assisting with cleaning duties at the hospital.
The Ukrainian officials discussed with their counterparts the importance of increasing support for Ukraine, protecting the people of Odesa and the region, safeguarding ports and energy infrastructure, and holding Russian aggressors accountable.
Sybiha informed the ministers about the current situation on the battlefield, the aggressor's attacks, and Ukraine's military and energy needs.
"Behind the negotiations, there are specific agreements. Additional packages of energy support to enhance resilience ahead of winter. Thank you for these important decisions. We also discussed strengthening Ukraine's defense capacity, increasing air defense capabilities, and investing in our defense industry," said Sybiha.
The foreign ministers of the NB8 and Ukraine also discussed measures to block Russia's "shadow fleet," which they stated allows Moscow to fund its war against Ukraine and poses an environmental threat to Europe. Sybiha called on partners to increase pressure on Russia, ensure access for international monitors and medical personnel to Ukrainian prisoners of war, and address the humanitarian needs of all illegally detained individuals.
