Northern Europe and the Baltics warn against deal with Russia, Putin can’t be trusted
Russian President Vladimir Putin (photo: Getty Images)
Leaders of eight Northern European and Baltic states have warned against any agreement with Russia that excludes Ukraine. They also affirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine, according to a statement by the leaders of the Northern Baltic Eight on Ukraine.
“To achieve a just and lasting peace the next step must be together with Ukraine. Only Ukraine can make decisions concerning its future. No decisions on Ukraine without Ukraine, and no decisions on Europe without Europe,” the leaders of the eight states said in their statement.
In their view, experience shows that Russian President Vladimir Putin cannot be trusted, as Russia itself is responsible for stopping its gross violations of international law.
“A peace agreement needs firm and concrete commitments by transatlantic partners to safeguard Ukraine against any future aggression. We welcome President Trump’s statement that the US is prepared to participate in security guarantees. No limitations should be placed on Ukraine’s armed forces or on its cooperation with other countries,” the leaders of the Northern Baltic Eight emphasized.
The statement also specifically demands that Russia immediately return children abducted from occupied territories, as well as prisoners of war and civilian detainees.
“We will continue to arm Ukraine and enhance Europe's defences to deter further Russian aggression. As long as Russia continues its killing we will continue to strengthen sanctions and wider economic measures to put pressure on Russia’s war economy,” the statement’s authors assured.
For reference, the Northern Baltic Eight is a regional cooperation format that includes Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden.
Trump–Putin meeting
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks on Friday, August 15 (Kyiv time: the night of August 15–16) at a military base in Anchorage, Alaska.
Following the meeting, Trump held phone conversations with President Zelenskyy and leaders of NATO countries.
Trump wants to hold a trilateral meeting with the leaders of Ukraine and Russia next Friday, August 22. However, Putin has not publicly committed to such a meeting.
