Nordic-Baltic leaders for involvement of Ukraine, Europe in negotiation

Leaders of the Nordic and Baltic countries on Friday said that Ukraine and Europe must be involved in potential Ukraine peace negotiations, according to Finnish President Office.

The leaders of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden in a joint statement also demanded strong security guarantees for Ukraine.

“Ukraine should be given strong security guarantees. Ukraine and Europe must be involved in any negotiations to achieve just and lasting peace,” said the leaders in the statement issued following a telephone conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday.

Retreating their firm support to Ukraine, they said that Ukraine must be able to prevail against Russia’s war of aggression, to ensure a just and lasting peace.

The outcome of the war will have fundamental and long-lasting effects on European and transatlantic security, they said.

“Our priority now is to strengthen Ukraine. Our countries are some of the largest per-capita contributors of military assistance to Ukraine. We will further bolster our support,” said the statement.

The leaders said that they are engaging with Ukraine, the United States and all NATO Allies and EU partners on how to achieve peace through strength and fully commit to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

“We are investing strongly in our own defence. We are determined to further strengthen our collective security and defence, and to shoulder our responsibility for peace and security in Europe,” the statement added.