Nordic-Baltic Eight: Press remarks by High Representative/Vice President Kaja Kallas at the joint press conference with Foreign Ministers

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Dear everybody, Dear Margus,

Thank you for hosting us here in this wonderful castle.

First, on the Middle East. There is no swift exit from the stand-off in the Strait of Hormuz in sight. And the consequences are negative across the board. The global economy is reeling. Russia is gaining fresh revenue from higher oil prices, and US weapons deliveries to Nordic and Baltic countries face delays.

For Europe, freedom of navigation is non-negotiable. EU Foreign Ministers have already agreed to expand sanctions on Iran over shipping restrictions. Our naval operations can play a greater role in restoring energy and trade flows.

Tehran's nuclear and missile programmes, as well as its support to terrorist groups in the region and beyond must be addressed. These issues cannot be put on backburner.

Second, turning to the region. The NB8 are the strongest supporters of Ukraine. With their backing, Ukraine has pushed back Russia into a stalemate and, in doing so, also revolutionised modern warfare. The grim battlefield math shows Russia is losing a record number of soldiers.

With the EU's 90-billion-loan and the 20th sanctions package we sent a clear message: we will provide Ukraine what it needs to hold its ground, until Putin understands his war leads nowhere. Ukraine is more important to us than it is to Russia.

Russia's war aims keep falling flat and this is increasingly visible. For the first time in years, Moscow's Victory parade is about to take place without any heavy military equipment. This tells a lot about how the war is going for Russia.

We also discussed the long-term threats posed by Russia. Hybrid attacks are already off the scale. Too often, Moscow sees hybrid warfare as cost-free. But we need to do more to change that calculation: more sanctions, accountability for war crimes, international isolation, and shutting the door to Russian ex-combatants are core elements of our response.

Beyond sabotage, disinformation and cyber, Russia is gearing up its military for a long-term confrontation with the West. Whether Putin dares to test NATO at some point, depends entirely on us. Deterrence works if it is credible, showing weakness only invites aggression.

If we want to keep our countries safe, we must continue to strengthen European defence readiness. This means surging defence spending, closing capability gaps, and scaling up European defence production. NB8 countries have already taken this message to heart. A more European NATO is long overdue.

Finally, let me say what I think we all here agree on: there can be no return to 'business as usual' with Russia, even after Moscow ends this war in Ukraine. Next month, in Cyprus, EU Foreign Affairs Ministers will continue the conversation about our approach to Russia, and how best to defend our security interests.

Thank you again for hosting us here.