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Nordic and Baltic countries: Russia has no right to determine Ukraine's future path

President of the Republic of Lithuania

August 16, 2025

President Gitanas Nausėda, together with the other heads of state and government of the Nordic and Baltic countries (NB8), issued a joint statement reaffirming their support for Ukraine and backing efforts to end Russia's war of aggression.

"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," the statement reads. The NB8 leaders demand that Russia immediately return the children abducted from occupied Ukrainian territories, as well as prisoners of war and detained civilians.

According to the NB8 leaders, Ukraine's participation is essential for achieving a just and lasting peace. There can be no decisions on Ukraine without Ukraine, just as there can be no decisions on Europe without European nations.

A just and lasting peace requires a ceasefire and credible security guarantees—above all, concrete commitments from transatlantic partners to safeguard Ukraine against any future aggression. The leaders welcome President Donald Trump's statement that the U.S. is prepared to participate in guaranteeing Ukraine's security.

"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," the NB8 leaders stated.

The Nordic and Baltic countries pledged to continue arming Ukraine, while also enhancing their own defenses to contribute to Europe's security and deterrence against Russia.

"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," the statement concludes, expressing firm support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

The President's Communication Group