Bucharest Nine, Nordic countries to continue support of Ukraine

This was stated in the joint statement of the leaders at the Vilnius Summit, where the heads of state and government of the Bucharest Nine and Nordic countries met, according to Ukrinform.

“We will continue our political, military, economic and humanitarian support to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position to reach a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace, based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law,” the statement reads.

The document also emphasizes that the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague must demonstrate the Alliance’s unwavering support and commitment to Ukraine.

“We stand firm on Allied decision and commitment regarding Ukraine’s irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership. Ukraine has the right to choose its own security arrangements and to decide its own future, free from outside interference,” the statement says.

The leaders also committed to strengthening efforts to deter Russia, including its ability to wage a war of aggression against Ukraine, by stepping up pressure on Russia, including through sanctions.

“We will work continuously to ensure Russia’s international accountability for the crime of aggression against Ukraine as well as the war crimes and all atrocities. Russia’s assets should remain immobilised until Russia ceases its war of aggression against Ukraine and compensates it for the damage caused by this war,” the declaration states.

The document also condemns any form of support for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and calls for an end to such assistance.

“Belarus continues to enable Russia’s war by making available its territory and infrastructure. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and Iran are fuelling it by providing direct military support, while the PRC continues to be its decisive enabler,” the statement emphasizes.

As previously reported, the Vilnius Summit is being held today in the so-called Bucharest Format together with Nordic countries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is taking part in the meeting.

The B9 (Bucharest Nine) format was established in November 2015 on the initiative of the presidents of Romania and Poland to coordinate defense efforts of NATO’s eastern flank countries. Besides Poland and Romania, the B9 includes Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.