Ukrainian president in Lithuania for summit with Bucharest Nine, Nordic countries

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in the Lithuanian capital on June 1 to take part in a high-level summit bringing together the leaders of the Bucharest Nine (B9) member states and the Nordic countries.

The summit, confirmed by presidential spokesperson Serhii Nykyforov, is being hosted by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, Caliber.Az reports per Ukrainian media.

The gathering comes at a pivotal moment for European security and regional cooperation, coinciding with the second round of Russian-Ukrainian peace negotiations in Istanbul.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has also arrived in Vilnius to attend the summit, which underscores the alliance’s continued support for Ukraine and the importance of strengthening NATO's eastern flank. His presence reflects NATO’s broader commitment to the defence of its member states and partners in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.

The summit brings together leaders from the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania), the Nordic countries (Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and Iceland), and Central and Eastern European nations comprising the B9 — Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Romania.

The focus of the discussions is expected to center on regional security cooperation, collective defence, enhanced NATO deterrence strategies, and continued support for Ukraine in its resistance to Russia’s ongoing invasion. The summit also provides a platform for aligning positions ahead of the upcoming NATO summit and coordinating efforts to address the wider implications of the war for European stability.

By Vafa Guliyeva