On October 16, 2024, the foreign ministers of the Nordic-Baltic countries visited Odesa, Ukraine. This visit occurred amidst intensified Russian attacks, which have resulted in significant loss of life, injuries, and widespread destruction.
Ukraine is currently grappling with monumental challenges, particularly in the energy sector, as it braces for its third winter since Russia’s full-scale invasion. In a powerful display of solidarity, the Nordic-Baltic countries have reiterated their steadfast commitment to Ukraine. During their visit, they unveiled a substantial winter assistance package, a significant step towards addressing Ukraine’s most urgent needs, including energy, social infrastructure, and humanitarian aid. This support is designed to alleviate the suffering caused by Russia’s attacks, providing essentials such as heating and clean water during the harsh winter months.
“Our visit to Odesa today is a manifestation of the Nordic Baltic countries’ unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ukraine’s heroic fight against Russia’s aggression is not only about defending Ukraine’s freedom, but all of ours,” says Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Coordinator of the NB8, Maria Malmer Stenergard, on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic delegation.
In 2024, Sweden will Coordinate the informal foreign and security cooperation format of the Nordic and Baltic countries (NB8). Strengthening immediate and long-term military and civilian support to help Ukraine prevail is central to the Nordic-Baltic cooperation framework.
Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, welcomed the delegation to Odesa to discuss the current situation, urgent needs, Ukraine’s efforts for a just and lasting peace, and its progress toward EU accession, including relevant reforms. The delegation also visited a military hospital, where it met with soldiers wounded in defence of their country.
The Nordic-Baltic countries have committed significant resources to support Ukraine, and this support will continue. During the visit, the delegation announced a substantial Nordic-Baltic winter package to address Ukraine’s most pressing needs ahead of the coming winter. This package includes energy supplies, social resilience initiatives, and humanitarian assistance. The Nordic-Baltic countries will contribute turbines, generators, solar panels, transformers, and heating equipment, as well as financial support for the energy sector and the reconstruction of critical social infrastructure.
This support and the already earmarked assistance for next year will enhance Ukraine’s ability to provide electricity, heating, clean water, healthcare, education, and other essential services.
The last visit by the NB8 foreign ministers to Odesa, Ukraine, took place in April 2023, when Latvia was the Coordinator of the NB8. The delegation included Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Maria Malmer-Stenergard; Denmark’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lars Løkke Rasmussen; Estonia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Margus Tsahkna; Finland’s State Secretary, Pasi Rajala; Iceland’s State Secretary, Martin Eyjólfsson; Latvia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže; Lithuania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Gabrielius Landsbergis; and Norway’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Espen Barth Eide.
