Eight northern countries ready to continue supplying weapons to Kyiv

The corresponding joint statement by Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden was published on Saturday, 22 November.

According to the document, Russia has not taken any steps toward a ceasefire or any actions that could bring peace closer, while Ukraine continues to demonstrate its seriousness in pursuing such efforts.

"We have, from the outset of Russia’s war of aggression, stood by Ukraine’s side, and we will continue to do so. Our resolve comes from the fact that we know that this is not only about Ukrainian security, it is also about the wider security of Europe," the NB8 leaders stressed.

The statement emphasises that support from international partners can only be complete if it upholds Ukraine’s sovereignty and ensures stability on the continent.

The Northern and Baltic Eight also pledged to continue supplying weapons to Ukraine, strengthening Europe’s defence, and further tightening sanctions against Russia for as long as it continues the war.

In the final part of the statement, NB8 leaders addressed the Ukrainian people:

"Your resolve, determination and courage have been truly admirable from the outset of the war. We want you to know that you are not alone and can count on our support," the statement reads.

According to Sweden’s foreign minister Maria Malmer Stenergard, the Nordic countries, with a combined population of under 30 million, account for roughly one-third of NATO’s total military assistance to Ukraine this year.

Earlier, it was reported that Sweden may help Ukraine finance a deal for 150 Swedish-made JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets. Several options are being considered to support the agreement.

The Danish company Terma, together with Ukraine’s Odd Systems, is working on an affordable air defence system designed to intercept Russian drones.