Nordic-Baltic foreign ministers visit Ukraine
Published
On 16 October 2024, the Nordic-Baltic countries’ foreign ministers visited Odesa, Ukraine. The visit took place against the backdrop of intensified Russian attacks against Ukraine resulting in further loss of lives, injuries and widespread destruction. The needs are immense, especially within the energy sector, as Ukraine prepares for its third winter since Russia’s full-scale invasion. The Nordic-Baltic countries are united in their unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine. During the visit, a substantial Nordic-Baltic winter package was announced in response to Ukraine’s most pressing needs, including energy, social infrastructure and humanitarian support. The support aims to alleviate the suffering caused by Russia’s attacks by contributing to basic needs such as heating and clean water during the cold 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 our freedom,” said Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Coordinator of the NB8 Maria Malmer Stenergard, on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic delegation.
The delegation was received in Odesa by Ukraine’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha to discuss the current situation, pressing needs, Ukraine’s efforts for a just and lasting peace as well as Ukraine’s EU accession progress, including related reform progress. The visit also included a visit to a military hospital, where the delegation met with soldiers wounded in the defence of their country, as well as a meeting with governor Oleh Kiper, where the ministers were briefed on the current situation in the region.
The Nordic-Baltic countries have committed significant resources in support to Ukraine and this support will continue. During the visit, a substantial Nordic-Baltic winter package was delivered in response to Ukraine’s most pressing needs ahead of the coming winter, including energy, social resilience and humanitarian support. Together, the Nordic-Baltic countries will contribute turbines, generators, solar panels, transformers and heating as well as financial support to the energy sector and to the reconstruction of critical social infrastructure. This support, and the already earmarked support for next year, will strengthen Ukraine’s ability to provide electricity, heating, clean water, health care, education, and other critical social and civilian infrastructure.
NB8 and the support to Ukraine
In 2024, Sweden is serving as Coordinator of the informal foreign and security cooperation format of the Nordic and Baltic countries (NB8). Joint efforts to strengthen both immediate and long-term military and civilian support to help Ukraine prevail is central to the Nordic-Baltic cooperation format. The Nordic-Baltic foreign ministers last visited Odesa, Ukraine in April 2023, when Latvia was Coordinator of the NB8.
The NB8 delegation to Ukraine consisted of chair of the NB8 format, Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard, Denmark’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Estonia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna, Finland’s Political Secretary of State Pasi Rajala, Iceland’s Permanent Secretary of State Martin Eyjólfsson, Latvia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Baiba Braže, Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabrielius Landsbergis and Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.
Press contact
Press Secretary to Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard
Phone (switchboard) +46 8 405 10 00
Mobile +46 76-5342523
email to Richard Wahlström
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