It is necessary to create an international tribunal that would prosecute Russian leadership for crimes in Ukraine, said the soon-to-be ex-Prime Minister of Latvia and acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Krišjānis Kariņš at a press-conference organised after the meeting of Nordic and Baltic (NB8) ministers of foreign affairs.
He mentioned that Europe is in a state of war – more than 500 days of Russia’s brutal war in Ukraine. Every day information is reported about new crimes.
“Ukrainians are bravely defending their independence. They are gradually recovering control of their territory.
Our goal is supporting Ukraine for as long as necessary, until Ukraine’s victory,” said Kariņš.
According to him, it is important for similarly-minded representatives of countries to meet and coordinate their actions in these difficult times. He stressed that the goal of this meeting was to convene to discuss ways to best assist Ukraine, as well as coordinate efforts and carry the massage to other countries, especially those the farthest from Europe and which do not understand that “the war in Ukraine is imperialistic”.
Latvia’s representative said that during the meeting NB8 ministers discussed topics of energy security and energy independence. Although all participating countries have successfully freed themselves from dependence on Russian energy resources, there is a great deal of work ahead to increase use of renewable energy resources, build necessary infrastructure to ensure countries have access to save energy sources in the future and make sure energy prices are competitive.
Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström stressed that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine showed just how important cooperation between Nordic and Baltic countries truly is.
Nearly all NB8 member states are also members in NATO.
Billström mentioned that during the meeting participants also discussed the NATO summit in Vilnius, hybrid threats and the fight against disinformation. Ministers also exchanged opinions about the future of NB8 format, considering the new geopolitical situation.
Sweden’s minister stressed that NB8 agree – countries support Ukraine. Nordic and Baltic countries should ensure Russia fails to break Ukraine’s spirit and resilience. Billström explained that Sweden has upped its support for Ukraine. This support, he said, will continue for as long as necessary.
He added that the volume of military, humanitarian and financial support Sweden has provided Ukraine exceeds EUR 2 billion.
He also said Russia’s illegal war breaches the UN charter, creates risks for global peace and security. Because the UN General Assembly week is coming up, NB8 ministers discussed the importance of reaching out to partners and convincing them to increase support for Ukraine and promote openness and tolerance.
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis said NB8 will stand with Ukraine until the country’s victory in the war. He also said there are victories that can be achieved outside the battle field. He said some victories are political and diplomatic. This is about Ukraine joining NATO and integrating into the European Union.
“We discussed Ukraine’s path to joining EU and responsibility. We also discussed Ukraine’s restoration. All this requires our attention. I do not doubt these are the victories Ukraine will achieve. We are committed to supporting Ukraine until its victory,” said Gabrielius Landsbergis.
Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt said Nordic and Baltic countries strongly responded to Russia’s aggression. Norway supports Ukraine with donations to civilian and military needs. Strong sanctions have been imposed on Russia. On top of that, a new dimension has appeared for NATO cooperation.
“We are committed to providing Ukraine with long-term support. Norway’s prime minister announced plans to supply Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets. Cooperation between Nordic and Baltic countries has never been so strong, important and valuable as it is at the moment. Russia’s brutal aggression and breach of international law has only strengthened our cooperation,” said the Norwegian minister.
Finnish Minister of Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen stressed that NB8 format meetings are important to allow ministers to exchange opinions about security-related topics. She said this time ministers visited Defence Partnership Latvia, where Patria armoured vehicles are partially manufactured.
According to the minister, this is a good example of several countries working together to support European defence industry and regional capacity. She said the Finnish government wants to deepen Nordic and Baltic countries’ cooperation once the country’s entry to NATO is finished.
“In NATO Finland will focus on the region’s defence from the Baltic region all the way to the Arctic. Finland is committed to following the alliance’s 360 approach, which provides for comprehensive defence. Nordic-Baltic cooperation has important topics that are of strategic importance not only in regional but also geopolitical terms, such as countering Russian disinformation in Africa,” she said.
Iceland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir stressed Ukraine was the main topic of discussions. The minister mentioned she was inspired by Baltic States, because they are friends that know the risks generated by Russia better than the rest, adding that it would have been better if other countries listened to Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia sooner.
She said NB8 can change the situation. Although Iceland is a relatively small country, it relies on international law. Iceland supports a world in which all countries protect the international system.
Iceland’s foreign minister said her believes in multilateralism so that all countries have a say, regardless of their size, so that the big powers cannot impose their will on “small neighbours”.
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