NB8 and Ukrainian leaders: Ukraine’s remaining EU accession clusters must be opened in September and October

"The Nordic and Baltic countries have supported Ukraine since the first day of Russia's war, and our support will not waver. We know Russia's pattern of behaviour well - any sign of weakness only encourage further aggression. Ukraine must be strong, while Russia must remain under pressure," Prime Minister Kristen Michal said.

According to the Prime Minister, Ukraine needs more air defence and ammunition, as well as greater investment in its defence industry. "Russia is not seeking peace but continues to attack Ukraine and its people. This is not the time to ease the pressure. Sanctions are working, and Russia's war economy is under growing pressure. We must close the loopholes Russia uses to evade sanctions, restrict the activities of Russia's shadow fleet and reduce the revenues Russia uses to finance its war."

In the joint declaration, the leaders stressed that no Russian attempt to annex Ukrainian territory would be recognised as lawful. Any peace agreement must be based on international law, respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and must not reward aggression. A just and lasting peace requires strong and credible security guarantees that enable Ukraine to deter renewed Russian aggression.

The NB8 countries pledged to continue providing Ukraine with political, military, financial, humanitarian and economic assistance. They will also deepen defence industry cooperation and joint production, including the development of drones, air defence capabilities, electronic warfare systems, ammunition and other critical defence technologies.

Ahead of the coming winter, the Nordic and Baltic countries will continue supporting the protection, repair and restoration of Ukraine's energy infrastructure. "Russia has previously tried to weaponise winter and make life as difficult as possible for the Ukrainian people. We must help Ukraine prepare and ensure that it has the necessary air defence," Michal said.

In the declaration, the leaders call for stronger sanctions against Russia, further restrictions on Russia's energy revenues, measures to combat sanctions circumvention in third countries and continued pressure on Russia's shadow fleet. They also call for continued work on using frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine.

The leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine's rapid progress towards European Union membership, including opening all remaining negotiating clusters without delay, already in September and October. "Ukraine's place is in the European Union and NATO. Estonia will continue working to ensure that Ukraine becomes a member of both," Michal said.

The joint declaration also highlighted the Ukraine Recovery Conference to be held in Tallinn in 2027. The conference aims to mobilise international political and financial support for Ukraine's recovery and increase investment and partnerships.

The summit took place on Ukraine's National Flag Day and on the eve of Ukraine's Independence Day, celebrated on 24 August.

Full text of the joint declaration: NB8 joint declaration, 23. august.pdf | 3.65 MB | pdf

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