The President at the meeting between NB8 leaders and Volodymyr Zelenskyy: The goal is putting a stop to Russian aggression, not just achieving a short-term ceasefire
President of the Republic of Lithuania
February 24, 2025
President Gitanas Nausėda, together with the leaders of the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) countries, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine.
At the meeting, the Nordic and Baltic leaders strongly condemned Russia's illegal, unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine and reiterated their support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"Our top priority today is to strengthen Ukraine and ensure that Ukraine and Europe are actively involved in negotiations for a just and lasting peace. The goal is to end Russian aggression, not merely to achieve a temporary ceasefire," the Lithuanian leader stated.
President Gitanas Nausėda reiterated that Ukraine's NATO membership is the best way to ensure long-term security guarantees.
The leaders of the NB8 pledged to increase support for Ukraine, including air defense and ammunition, as well as investing in Ukraine's defense industry. They agreed that the Nordic and Baltic countries would equip and train a brigade-sized unit for Ukraine. The Heads of State emphasized their resolve to maintaining maximum pressure on Russia through sanctions and measures against its shadow fleet to constrain Russia and its war machine. They underscored that just and lasting peace is not possible without holding Russia accountable for its international crimes.
The NB8 countries come second only to the U.S. in military aid to Ukraine, having provided over €26 billion.
The Nordic and Baltic leaders reiterated their support for Ukraine's EU membership to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
At the meeting, President Gitanas Nausėda also expressed concern about the pressure to organize elections in Ukraine during wartime, particularly in light of hybrid threats and the potential risk of destabilizing the internal situation.
The leaders of the Nordic and Baltic countries reaffirmed their position in a joint statement. The full text is available here.
The President's Communication Group
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