Poland, Baltic, and Nordic states vow increased military support for Ukraine’s defence

Poland, the Baltic, and Nordic states have pledged to increase their support for Ukraine, particularly in strengthening the country’s defence industry and ensuring a greater supply of ammunition in the coming months.

In a joint statement issued on November 27, the leaders of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Norway, Poland, and Sweden emphasized their commitment to “strengthening our deterrence, and defence, including resilience, against conventional as well as hybrid attacks,” and to expanding sanctions against Russia and "those who enable its aggression", Caliber.Az reports via Polish media.

They underlined that these efforts are essential for protecting their shared security.

The statement reassured that the countries would continue their support for Ukraine, citing their status as the largest per-capita contributors of military assistance to the country. "Our support will not waver. Ukraine must be able to prevail against Russia’s aggression, to ensure a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace," the leaders affirmed. They also announced plans to increase their aid, including assistance to Ukraine’s defence industry and investments in ammunition. "Ukraine’s courage and resilience will be backed by strong and steadfast support by our countries, with military assistance being an integral part," the leaders added, encouraging others to join their efforts.

Furthermore, the leaders expressed full support for Ukraine's Victory Plan and reiterated their commitment to “a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine, and its full European and Euro-Atlantic integration.” They emphasized that Russia remains the “most significant and direct threat to our security in the long term” due to its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as its growing use of hybrid tactics, which have undermined global peace and stability. The leaders committed to working together to counter Russia’s actions and hold it accountable for the crime of aggression.

The leaders met at the Swedish government's retreat in Harpsund, southwest of Stockholm, for discussions on transatlantic relations, regional security, and a unified approach to the war in Ukraine.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, speaking at a press conference, reaffirmed their collective responsibility for Euro-Atlantic security. "All of us have made historic investments in strengthening our armed forces and we all agree to prioritize defense spending. Adding money beyond NATO's 2% default will be needed. Now is the time to strengthen our collective efforts to ensure our safety and Ukraine's freedom," he said.

Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk stressed the importance of EU and NATO unity in the face of Russian aggression. “Together we are much stronger,” he said, adding that the alliance must remain resolute against the risks posed by Russia’s actions.

Tusk also warned against accepting any ceasefire proposals that might involve compromising Ukraine's territorial integrity, such as agreeing to a neutral, demilitarized Ukraine. "Our capitulation or lack of support for Ukraine is the obvious way to deepen the crisis and threaten risk for all of us," Tusk declared.

In a nod to US President-elect Donald Trump, Tusk remarked, “It’s obvious that Donald should trust another Donald, you know. We have no other choice, I think.”

However, according to Bloomberg, European governments are bracing for a worst-case scenario with Donald Trump on the verge of returning to the White House: they may soon find themselves not only defending their own security but also supporting Ukraine’s resistance against Russia without the backing of their American allies. The concerns are further amplified by Trump’s selection of Keith Kellogg, a retired general who has suggested cutting off military aid to Ukraine if it’s necessary to end the war, as his special envoy for Ukraine and Russia.

In anticipation of potential reductions in U.S. support, European nations are already scaling up ammunition and artillery production — critical needs for Ukraine — through companies like Germany's Rheinmetall AG and KNDS. However, sustaining these supplies remains a challenge, according to European officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss strategic issues.

Trump has indicated that he intends to end the war as soon as he takes office in January, raising the possibility that the U.S. may scale back its support for Kyiv to push for a settlement, a move Kellogg has previously endorsed.

Without U.S. weaponry, “Kyiv will be left at Russia’s mercy,” said Marek Prawda, Poland’s deputy foreign minister, in an interview. Although there have been conflicting statements from Trump about Ukraine’s future, Prawda emphasized that “we are entering a more transactional world, and we need to mobilize ourselves to fit into that logic.”

By Tamilla Hasanova