Northern European countries have reaffirmed their commitment to support Ukraine's defense efforts, particularly in weapon production, winter preparedness, and shelter construction. This announcement came after the fourth Ukraine-Northern Europe summit held in Reykjavík, Iceland.
Presidential Acknowledgments
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Iceland and Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson for hosting the summit and for their dedication to international law. He highlighted Denmark's leadership in investing in Ukraine's arms production.
"Your determination has created a special model of investment in our defense production, which we share with other partners. And today, all partners have confirmed their readiness to follow the Danish model," said President Zelenskyy.
Individual Contributions from Nordic Countries
Finland
- Defense Package: President Zelenskyy thanked Finland for its recent defense support.
- Shelter Coalition: Acknowledged Finland's participation in initiatives to build shelters.
- Environmental Protection Conference: Noted Finland's organization of a conference based on the environmental protection clause of the Peace Formula.
Sweden
- Energy Sector Aid: Recognized Sweden's assistance to Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
- Additional Support:
- Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced Sweden's contribution of over €20 million to support the development and production of artillery shells in Ukraine.
- Sweden will assist in winter preparations and plans to supply air defense missiles, F-16 fighter jets, and demining equipment.
Norway
- Air Defense and Maritime Support: Commended Norway's help in strengthening Ukraine's air defense and maritime capabilities.
- Financial Aid: Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced a new aid package worth €500 million, including €350 million in military support.
- Energy Sector: Norway expressed readiness to further bolster Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
Denmark
- Defense Industry Investment: Emphasized Denmark's initiative in supporting Ukraine's defense industry.
- Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that summit participants aim to support Ukraine's defense capabilities as much as possible.
Discussions on Air Defense Enhancements
Summit attendees deliberated on Ukraine's additional air defense needs. They explored ways to reinforce Ukraine's air shield, including the potential provision of Patriot missile systems.
Joint Statement Highlights
In a collective declaration following the summit:
- Support for Victory Plan: The Nordic countries endorsed Ukraine's Victory Plan and its Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
- Defense Industry Cooperation: Expressed interest in further developing cooperation with Ukraine's defense sector.
- Financial Commitments: Northern European nations have allocated €195 million for purchases within Ukraine's defense industry. Surplus profits from immobilized Russian assets were identified as a potential funding source for such initiatives.
- Strengthening Defense Capabilities: Committed to enhancing the defense capabilities of Ukraine's Armed Forces both bilaterally and multilaterally.
- Euro-Atlantic Integration: Pledged continued support for Ukraine's path toward full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership.
Upcoming Peace Summit
The leaders promised to work on strengthening Ukraine's position ahead of the second Peace Summit, aiming for a just and lasting peace.
Presidential Visit to Iceland
On October 28, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Iceland, where he met with Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson and participated in the Ukraine-Northern Europe summit in Reykjavík.
