Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently attended the fourth Ukraine-Nordic Summit in Iceland, where he met with the Prime Ministers of Iceland, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Sweden. The summit focused on discussions regarding Ukraine’s ‘Victory Plan’, with Zelenskyy expressing gratitude for the support of Iceland and the Nordic partner countries in Ukraine’s path to NATO membership. He raised concerns about the involvement of North Korean troops in Russia’s war against Ukraine and emphasized the need for a united international response to this threat.
Following the summit, Norway’s Prime Minister announced a €500 million aid package for Ukraine, with more than half allocated to military assistance. Sweden also pledged €63.3 million in military aid. The five Nordic nations outlined their commitment to assisting Ukraine in various areas, including winter support, energy, social resilience, and humanitarian aid. They also vowed to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s defence industry and strengthen European ammunition production.
The leaders at the summit discussed Ukraine’s NATO membership, with all five Nordic nations expressing their support for Ukraine’s path to full Euro-Atlantic integration. They also pledged to open EU accession negotiations for Ukraine. The summit highlighted the ongoing cooperation and support between Ukraine and the Nordic nations, with a focus on enhancing security cooperation, long-term support, and the efficient implementation of bilateral agreements.
This marks Zelenskyy’s first working visit to Iceland, where he discussed the importance of Iceland’s role in assisting Ukraine’s NATO ambitions. The President emphasized the significance of inviting Ukraine to join the Alliance as the first step in the ‘Victory Plan’ towards achieving a just peace. He also raised concerns about Russia’s use of weapons supplied by North Korea and Iran, calling for a coordinated international effort to address these threats.
The Nordic leaders reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security during the summit. They pledged ongoing support for Ukraine in various forms, including financial aid, military assistance, and winter support packages. The leaders highlighted the importance of using frozen Russian assets to bolster Ukraine’s defence industry and strengthen European ammunition production.
Overall, the fourth Ukraine-Nordic Summit in Iceland focused on discussions surrounding Ukraine’s ‘Victory Plan’ and enhancing support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. The Nordic leaders reaffirmed their commitment to assisting Ukraine in various areas and expressed their support for Ukraine’s NATO membership and EU accession negotiations. The summit highlighted the strong relationship between Ukraine and the Nordic nations, with a focus on cooperation, assistance, and shared goals for peace and security in the region.
