Ukraine joins Northern Europe's JEF defense alliance
Photo: Denys Shmyhal (t.me/Denys_Smyhal)
Ukraine has been granted extended partner status in the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF). It is the first country outside the alliance to receive this status, according to the Defense Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal.
"Grateful to Norwegian Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik and UK Defense Secretary John Healey for the invitation. Thanks to President Zelenskyy's initiative, Ukraine is taking part in the JEF defense ministers' meeting for the first time — a historic moment," Shmyhal says.
He stresses that Ukraine is ready to strengthen the JEF's potential and share its experience in countering hybrid aggression, using air defense systems, using drones, protecting critical infrastructure, and conducting long-range strikes.
"We plan to involve the AFU in joint exercises to achieve full interoperability and readiness to act together in crises," the Defense Minister of Ukraine adds.
Source: Defense Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal
Source: Defense Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal
Source: Defense Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal
Source: Defense Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal
Source: Defense Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal
Source: Defense Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal
According to Shmyhal, Ukraine will continue to contribute to joint security through joint exercises, innovative partnerships, and cooperation in the defense industry. In return, Kyiv is counting on access to European technologies and production capacities to create joint defense projects.
"I am grateful to Norway for hosting today’s meeting, to the United Kingdom for its consistent leadership, and to all JEF countries for their steady support and for advancing the path toward our shared goal. Together we can deter aggression, protect our people, and ensure a peaceful, stable Europe for future generations," Denys Shmyhal concludes.
JEF
The status of enhanced partner of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) means deeper cooperation with this defense alliance, which includes 10 northern European countries led by the UK.
This partnership format allows Kyiv to participate in joint exercises, exchange intelligence, coordinate security and defense activities, and strengthen Ukraine's integration into the collective defense system of Northern European countries.
The JEF was created to respond quickly to crises, particularly in the Baltic and North Seas, the Arctic, and the North Atlantic. The alliance operates outside NATO but complements its capabilities by focusing on flexible and rapid operations in the region. Ukraine's status as an enhanced partner demonstrates the trust of the JEF member states and is another step towards deeper integration into the European security system.
Assistance to Ukraine
This year, the US and NATO launched the PURL program, which allows for the rapid delivery of essential American weapons to Ukraine.
As part of the initiative, a priority list of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' needs is being compiled and forwarded to allies for rapid financing of purchases.
Under the mechanism, partner states transfer funds to a special NATO account, after which the US supplies Ukraine with weapons.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal met in Kyiv with NATO's senior representative in Ukraine, Patrick Turner, and NSATU and SAG-U commander Lt. Gen. Curtis Buzzard. One of the topics of their meeting was the PURL mechanism.
