On May 26, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Yevhen Perebyinis met with the directors of security policy of the foreign affairs departments of the North Baltic Eight (NB8) and the ambassadors of Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia to Ukraine.

The main topics of the meeting were the escalation of Russian armed aggression against Ukraine and the security situation in the region, peace negotiations with the participation of the US and Europe, Ukraine's movement towards EU membership and support in NATO.

Representatives of the North Baltic Eight condemned the intensification of Russian terrorist attacks on Kyiv and other cities of Ukraine, directed against the civilian population and infrastructure. Diplomats confirmed the continuation of the work of diplomatic missions of the NB8 countries in Kyiv, despite blackmail and threats from the aggressor.

The Nordic-Baltic partners confirmed long-term military, political and humanitarian support for Ukraine to counter Russian armed aggression. The parties also noted the importance of expanding joint defense initiatives and weapons production for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and discussed steps to strengthen sanctions pressure on Russia and hold the aggressor accountable.

The NB8 countries expressed their full support for Ukraine’s rapid progress towards EU membership, and welcomed Ukraine’s participation in the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara, as the leading contributor to Europe’s security today.