At the pivotal Nordic-Ukrainian Summit, hosted by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiyy marked a significant moment by signing long-term security agreements with Sweden and Norway. The Summit, attended by the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, and the prime ministers of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre, and Iceland Bjarni Benediktsson, served as a platform for crucial discussions and agreements.
The leaders, in a display of unwavering commitment, deliberated on Ukraine’s need for military support and the most effective ways the Nordic countries can bolster Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s aggression. The Summit not only reiterated the Nordic countries’ solidarity with Ukraine but also adopted a declaration underscoring their continued civilian and military support. The declaration further confirmed the Nordic countries’ active participation in the upcoming Summit on Peace in Switzerland on 15-16 June.
Additionally, the President of Ukraine signed bilateral security cooperation agreements with Sweden and Norway.
“I would like to thank my Nordic colleagues and @ZelenskyyUa for today’s Nordic-Ukrainian Summit in Stockholm. Important steps have been taken towards strengthening cooperation between our countries in support of Ukraine. Ukraine is fighting not only for its own freedom but also for ours. You have our full support,” the Prime Minister of Sweden posted on X.
Security cooperation
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have signed an agreement on bilateral security cooperation. The deal is based on Sweden’s overall military and civil support to Ukraine, totalling more than SEK 105 billion in 2022–2026.
“Ukraine is not just fighting for its own freedom, but also for our freedom,” said PM Kristersson.
The agreement, comprehensive in its scope, primarily focuses on military support. However, it also extends its coverage to other crucial areas. Sweden, in its commitment to Ukraine’s reconstruction, will support reforms and preparations for Ukraine’s future EU and NATO membership. Furthermore, Sweden will lend its support to the efforts aimed at holding Russia accountable for its crimes in and against Ukraine.
“All five Nordic countries have now entered into bilateral agreements on security cooperation with Ukraine. This sends an important signal to the Ukrainian people that our engagement is firm and lasting. Ukraine will now have better conditions for long-term planning of its defence against Russia. Ukraine’s cause is our cause,” Swedish PM posted on X.
This cooperation includes Swedish support amounting to more than EUR 9 billion from 2022 to 2026.
“My message is clear: Sweden will stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes,” emphasised PM Kristersson.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre of Norway also signed a 10-year security cooperation agreement with Ukraine, demonstrating Norway’s strong commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defence. Norway will provide extensive military and civilian support to assist Ukraine in its path towards full integration into the Euro-Atlantic community and future membership in the EU and NATO.
Approximately 30 countries, including the G7 and the EU, have united in a Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine. This security agreement with Norway and similar agreements with Sweden and Iceland, a part of a broader international effort, bring Ukraine’s total number of agreements with Western nations to 15. The Nordic countries, all of which are NATO members, have steadfastly supported Ukraine.
