Only Ukraine can decide its future, say Nordic-Baltic leaders

The leaders of the Nordic-Baltic Eight countries issued a joint statement reaffirming their unwavering support for Ukraine and calling for an end to Russia’s aggressive war.

“We remain steadfast in our support to Ukraine and to efforts, including by President Trump, to end the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine,” Caliber.Az quotes the document as saying. 

The leaders emphasized that “only Ukraine can make decisions concerning its future. No decisions on Ukraine without Ukraine, and no decisions on Europe without Europe.”

The statement warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin “cannot be trusted” and stressed that Russia is ultimately responsible for ending its violations of international law. It identified Russia’s “aggression and imperialist ambitions” as the root causes of the conflict.

The Nordic-Baltic leaders called for a ceasefire and credible security guarantees for Ukraine. They welcomed U.S. President Trump’s statement indicating Washington’s willingness to participate in such guarantees, while asserting that “no limitations should be placed on Ukraine’s armed forces or on its cooperation with other countries.” They also made clear that Russia has no veto over Ukraine’s EU and NATO aspirations.

The statement further demanded the urgent return of children abducted from occupied territories, as well as prisoners of war and civilian detainees.

The leaders pledged to continue arming Ukraine and strengthening Europe’s defenses to deter further Russian aggression. They also vowed to maintain sanctions and broader economic measures against Russia as long as the war continues.

“We stand firm in our unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity,” the statement concluded.

By Khagan Isayev