The leaders of the Nordic and Baltic Eight expressed their disbelief in Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin and reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine.
The European leaders of the countries affirmed those sentiments in a joint statement.
In their statement, the leaders of the Nordic and Baltic Eight stressed that they remain “unwavering in their support for Ukraine and the efforts, including those of President Trump, to end Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine.”
“We remain steadfast in our support to Ukraine and to efforts, including by President Trump, to end the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. To achieve a just and lasting peace the next step must be together with Ukraine. Only Ukraine can make decisions concerning its future. No decisions on Ukraine without Ukraine, and no decisions on Europe without Europe,” they stressed.
The signatory countries noted, “Experience shows that Putin cannot be trusted.”
“Experience has shown that Putin cannot be trusted. Ultimately it is Russia’s responsibility to end its blatant violations of international law. Russia’s aggression and imperialist ambitions are the root causes of this war. Achieving a just and lasting peace requires a ceasefire. And credible security guarantees for Ukraine. A peace agreement needs firm and concrete commitments by transatlantic partners to safeguard Ukraine against any future aggression.”
The leaders of the eight countries noted that a ceasefire is necessary to achieve a just and lasting peace, as well as reliable security guarantees for Ukraine.
“A peace agreement requires firm and concrete commitments from transatlantic partners to protect Ukraine from any future aggression. We welcome President Trump’s statement that the United States is ready to participate in security guarantees. No restrictions should be imposed on Ukraine’s armed forces or on its cooperation with other countries. Russia has no veto power on Ukraine’s path to the EU and NATO,” they emphasized.
The countries also voiced a demand for Russia to immediately return children abducted from the occupied territories, as well as prisoners of war and civilian detainees.
They stressed that they would continue to arm Ukraine and strengthen Europe’s defenses to deter further Russian aggression.
“We welcome President Trump’s statement that the US is prepared to participate in security guarantees. No limitations should be placed on Ukraine’s armed forces or on its cooperation with other countries. Russia has no veto over Ukraine’s pathway to the EU and NATO. We will continue to arm Ukraine and enhance Europe’s defences to deter further Russian aggression. As long as Russia continues its killing we will continue to strengthen sanctions and wider economic measures to put pressure on Russia’s war economy.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the leaders of the G8 Baltic states for their support.
“All of these points are important to achieving a truly sustainable and credible peace. We see that Russia is rejecting numerous demands for a ceasefire and has not yet determined when it will stop the killing. This complicates the situation,” he said.
Trump reportedly told the European leaders that Putin wants an immediate “peace deal,” not a ceasefire.
As reported, on Friday, July 18, Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy will fly to Washington for talks with US President Trump.
