The participants of the third Ukraine-Nordic Summit in Stockholm discussed defense cooperation, military assistance, strengthening of air defense, Euro-Atlantic integration of our country, and preparations for the Peace Summit. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a meeting with representatives of the media.
The Head of State began by announcing that Ukraine had managed to return 75 people – military and civilians – from Russian captivity.
The President stressed that Russia now has the capabilities to expand the war and intensify terror against Ukrainian cities and villages. The Russian Federation is preparing relevant groups near our borders.
“We must do everything to destroy Russian warplanes, just as we are already destroying Russian warships in the Black Sea. To do this, we need the Patriot air defense systems, and today we discussed how to ensure this,” the Head of State said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also noted that Ukraine has signed five security agreements with the Nordic countries.
“The agreements specify the amount of military assistance: in all five agreements this year alone, we have EUR 6 billion worth of military assistance alone, which is substantial. Our broad defense cooperation is also documented, and importantly, it includes joint production of weapons and equipment,” the President stressed.
During the Summit, the participants also discussed the importance of starting negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the European Union in June, preparations for the NATO Summit in Washington, D.C., and the Global Peace Summit. Almost one hundred states and international organizations confirmed their participation. At the same time, Russia is blackmailing some of the leaders and trying to block the presence of the countries at the Summit in Switzerland.
“Today we discussed how we can strengthen this peacekeeping effort – the Peace Summit – together, and I thank you for your assistance and support,” the President said.
The Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson, also noted that the recently announced assistance from his country is focused on air defense capabilities. In particular, it includes two radar surveillance aircraft, as well as artillery ammunition and armored vehicles.
The President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, confirmed that the short-term goal of the assistance is to supply Ukraine with ammunition, machinery and defense equipment to win the war.
The Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, urged to increase and accelerate assistance to Ukraine.
The Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre, reminded that his country, together with the United Kingdom, leads a Maritime Capability Coalition intending to provide Ukraine with everything it needs for maritime defense.
