War

Coalition of partners: seven countries increase aid to Ukraine

The governments of seven countries – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Norway, Poland, and Sweden – have promised to increase their assistance to Ukraine. This is stated in a joint statement published on the website of the Swedish government.

It is noted that the above countries are determined to assume responsibility for Euro-Atlantic security and support for Ukraine.

“We will strengthen our support for Ukraine. Our countries are the largest per capita contributors of military aid to Ukraine, and our support will not weaken. Ukraine must overcome Russian aggression and secure a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. In the coming months, we will increase our support, including to the Ukrainian defense industry, and invest in more ammunition for Ukraine… We encourage others to do the same,” the statement said.

The governments of these countries also supported Ukraine’s “victory plan” in the war against Russia.

“We support the Ukrainian victory plan. We are committed to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine and its full European and Euro-Atlantic integration. We will work together to deter, challenge, and counter Russia’s aggressive and extremely confrontational actions, and to ensure its full international accountability for the crime of aggression,” the governments of these countries assured.

It is noted that, together with their allies, the countries are ready to strengthen deterrence and defense, including resilience, against conventional and hybrid attacks, as well as to expand sanctions against Russia and those who contribute to Russia’s aggression, thus threatening common security.

The leaders of the Baltic States and Scandinavia recognized Russia as the greatest threat to regional and global security. The joint statement emphasizes that Russia’s aggressive actions, including its illegal war against Ukraine and the use of hybrid methods, seriously undermine peace and stability.

“Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and its increasing use of hybrid warfare have destroyed peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area and seriously undermined global security. We will work together to deter, challenge and counter Russia’s aggressive and confrontational actions,” the governments of seven countries – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Norway, Poland and Sweden – summarized.

As reported, on Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen appealed to MEPs to increase defense spending to the Russian level. The EU countries collectively spend 1.9% of their GDP on defense, while Russia spends up to 9%. “Something is wrong here,” she said.