August 16, 2025
Nordic, Baltic leaders pledge ‘steadfast’ support for Ukraine
The leaders of eight Nordic and Baltic states have issued a joint statement following the summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.
The leaders of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania said they “remain steadfast” in their support for Ukraine.
They also said they support all efforts, including those by Trump, “to end the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.”
“Experience has shown that Putin cannot be trusted,” the leaders said, adding that it is “Russia’s responsibility to end its blatant violations of international law.”
During their meeting in Alaska, Putin said he had discussed with Trump “the root causes” of the conflict, referring to Ukraine’s ambitions of joining NATO and the European Union.
But the Nordic and Baltic joint statement countered that “Russia’s aggression and imperialist ambitions are the root causes of this war.”
They called for a ceasefire that would lead to a “just and lasting peace,” and insisted that Ukraine and its European allies be involved in any talks to end the war.
“No decisions on Ukraine without Ukraine, and no decisions on Europe without Europe,” the statement said.
They also called for “credible security guarantees for Ukraine,” pointing out that any peace agreement “needs firm and concrete commitments by transatlantic partners to safeguard Ukraine against any future aggression.”
“No limitations should be placed on Ukraine’s armed forces or on its cooperation with other countries,” they said, adding that they will “continue to arm Ukraine and enhance Europe’s defences to deter further Russian aggression.”
