Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Olexandr Mischenko held a working meeting with the Ambassadors, Heads of Missions, and Defense Attachés of the Baltic States accredited in Ukraine.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the practical implementation of the agreements reached at the fourth Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), held in Oslo in May 2025, where Ukraine was granted "Enhanced Partnership" status within the JEF.
Olexandr Mischenko expressed his gratitude to the Baltic States for their unwavering and comprehensive support of Ukraine in its efforts to counter Russian aggression.
The Ukrainian side also conveyed special appreciation for the significant humanitarian assistance and support provided to Ukraine’s energy sector, which is critical to strengthening the resilience of Ukraine’s infrastructure amid relentless barbaric attacks by the terrorist state — the Russian Federation. The Deputy Minister called on the participants of the meeting to continue providing this much-needed energy assistance, which is critically important for Ukraine during the winter period.
The parties focused on the practical dimension of cooperation between Ukraine and the JEF. Both sides emphasized that the Enhanced Partnership status creates new opportunities for deepening interaction – specifically through participation in joint military exercises, the exchange of combat experience, particularly in the fields of UAVs and tactical medicine, and the strengthening of technological cooperation. The Deputy Foreign Minister noted that the Enhanced Partnership status is a logical step toward Ukraine’s strategic goal – full membership in the JEF.
"Today, the Russian Federation poses an immediate threat to the entire European continent, primarily to the Baltic States bordering the aggressor country and its satellite, Belarus. In this context, Ukraine is not merely a recipient but also a key contributor to security in Europe. The unique experience of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in countering modern hybrid and conventional threats plays a vital role in strengthening European security," Olexandr Mischenko stated during the meeting.
In conclusion, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the partnership and implementing joint initiatives in line with the priorities set out in the joint statement of JEF member states. The diplomats agreed on a series of practical measures to enhance security coordination in the region.
Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) is a coalition of like-minded nations established in accordance with the NATO Framework Nations Concept under the leadership of the United Kingdom. To date, the JEF comprises 10 Northern European and Baltic States: the United Kingdom, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, and Iceland. On May 9, 2025, in Oslo, during the JEF Leaders' Summit, the coalition decided to grant Ukraine the "Enhanced Partnership" status.