Baltic and Nordic countries urge immediate unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine

RIGA - The Baltic and Nordic countries (NB8) released a joint statement on Monday, affirming their support for Ukraine on the path towards peace and calling on Russia to agree to a full, unconditional and immediate 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine.

"Ukraine wants peace. We, the Nordic and Baltic Countries, want peace. We reiterate our call for a full, unconditional, immediate ceasefire for 30 days, with the possibility of renewal. Only the aggressor, Russia, has refused to accept this approach," the NB8 countries say in the statement posted on the Norwegian government's official website.

The statement welcomes progress towards negotiations in good faith and urges Russia to to refrain from all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure.

"Together with the European Union, the United States and partners, we stand ready to impose further sanctions if the ceasefire is not respected," NB8 warn.

This year, cooperation in the NB8 format is coordinated by Denmark, which has made strengthening security and defense cooperation between the Baltic and Nordic countries, promoting regional and global support for Ukraine, and developing Europe's military industry and defense capabilities its priorities.

The NB8 is a cooperation format including Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden.