North-Baltic Eight nations announce new support packages for Ukraine
Photo: The North-Baltic Eight countries announced new packages (GettyImages)
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov attended the Nordic-Baltic 8 meeting, where the Baltic and Nordic countries presented new initiatives to support Ukraine. In particular, they announced an increase in military aid, according to the minister's post on Facebook.
Rustem Umerov took part in the Nordic-Baltic 8 meeting, where the defense ministers of Norway, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania presented new initiatives to support Ukraine in its war against Russia.
Sweden, in particular, announced plans for a new major military aid package, which will include bolstering Ukraine’s air defense. The deliveries are expected to take place this year.
Norway has made a significant announcement, pledging €7.8 billion for 2025—one of the largest aid budgets for Ukraine among European countries. These funds will be directed toward strengthening maritime capabilities, air defense systems, and training Ukrainian troops as part of the Nordic-Baltic Brigade. Additional investments in Ukraine’s defense industry are also planned.
Increased military assistance
Lithuania is actively working to enhance Ukraine’s air defense system and invest in the defense industry while maintaining its priority of supplying artillery shells.
Latvia is focused on equipping Ukrainian Armed Forces units with essential gear and expanding cooperation in the defense sector. Iceland is contributing to investments in Ukraine’s defense industry under the "Danish model."
Finland is working on supplying artillery shells and preparing a new military aid package, while Estonia is actively organizing new deliveries of shells and is ready to participate in training the Nordic-Baltic Brigade. Denmark, in turn, is considering additional investments in Ukraine’s defense industry.
“The Nordic and Baltic countries remain among our most committed allies. They are not only increasing military aid but also actively supporting the development of our defense industry,” emphasized Rustem Umerov, highlighting the crucial role these nations play in Ukraine’s fight for independence.
Nordic-Baltic 8
The Nordic-Baltic 8 (NB8) is an informal group comprising eight countries: five Nordic nations (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland) and three Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania). The group was established to foster cooperation and exchange experiences in areas such as security, economy, culture, and energy.
NB8 is also focused on promoting democracy, stability, and development in the region. Regular meetings of defense and foreign ministers, as well as other government representatives, address pressing security and cooperation issues, including support for Ukraine amid its war with Russia.
