Northern Baltic Eight Countries Stand Firm Against Peace Deals with Russia Without Kyiv’s Involvement
The group of eight countries known as the ‘Northern Baltic Eight’ (Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden) has reaffirmed its unwavering stance regarding prospects for peace with Russia.
In a joint declaration, the leaders of these nations emphasize that any agreements with Moscow must include Ukraine.
They stress that only the Ukrainian people have the right to determine their future, and that no decisions concerning Ukraine should be made without Kyiv.
The leaders assert that peace can only be achieved through active Ukrainian engagement and international support.The document highlights that Russian aggression and imperial ambitions are the primary causes of the conflict, and that trust in Vladimir Putin is impossible.
It emphasizes that the global responsibility for violations of international law rests squarely on Moscow.
The declaration also states that any peace settlement must rest upon firm security guarantees for Ukraine and depend on concerted efforts by transatlantic partners.Special attention is given to the readiness of the U.S.
to participate actively in establishing security commitments for Ukraine.
The leaders underline that Russia has no right to block Ukraine’s path to EU or NATO membership.
Additionally, the ‘Eight’ demands the immediate return of the kidnapped Ukrainian children, the release of prisoners of war, and civilian captives.
They reaffirm their support for supplying weapons to Ukraine and strengthening Europe’s defenses, noting that as long as Russia continues its aggression, sanctions and economic measures against the Kremlin will intensify.These countries’ leaders have repeatedly emphasized the importance of unity and support for Ukraine in resisting Russian aggression.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that a meeting with U.S.
President is scheduled for August 18, while Trump plans to hold a trilateral summit on August 22 concerning Ukraine and regional security.