No decisions on Ukraine without Ukraine and no decisions on Europe without Europe - Baltic/Nordic leaders

RIGA - No decisions on the future of Ukraine can be taken without Ukraine and no decisions on Europe without Europe, the leaders of the Baltic and Nordic countries said in a joint statement after talks between US President Donald Trump and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin on ways to end the war in Ukraine.

The statement, released by Denmark on behalf of the eight countries in the region, stresses that the Baltic and Nordic countries will remain steadfast in their support for Ukraine and efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine. At the same time, it stresses that the next step towards a just and lasting peace must be taken together with Ukraine, as only Ukraine can decide on its own future.

"No decisions on Ukraine without Ukraine and no decisions on Europe without Europe," the Baltic and Nordic leaders stress. "We remain steadfast in our strong support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity."

The Baltic and Nordic leaders underline that they will continue to arm Ukraine and strengthen Europe's defenses to deter further aggression by Russia. "While Russia continues to murder, we will continue to step up sanctions and broader economic measures to put pressure on Russia's war economy."

A just and lasting peace requires a ceasefire, regional countries stress. The statement underlines the need to provide Ukraine with credible security guarantees, and a peace agreement requires strong and concrete commitments from transatlantic partners to protect Ukraine against any future aggression. The leaders welcome the US President's statement that the US stands ready to contribute to the security guarantees.

The leaders of the Baltic and Nordic countries reiterate that no restrictions should be imposed on Ukraine's armed forces or on its cooperation with other countries, and that Russia should have no veto over Ukraine's path towards the European Union and NATO.

The countries of the region also demand that Russia urgently return the children abducted from the occupied territories and release prisoners of war and civilian prisoners.

"Experience has shown that Putin cannot be trusted. Ultimately, the responsibility for flagrant violations of international law lies with Russia. Russian aggression and imperialist ambitions are the root causes of this war," the statement by the Baltic and Nordic leaders underlined.

The statement was signed by the leaders of Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Lithuania, Norway, Finland, Sweden and Latvia, including Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina (New Unity).