During a recent Nordic security summit held in Sweden, attended by leaders from the Nordic countries and Germany, there was an emphasis on continued support for Ukraine in light of the country’s ongoing conflict with Russia. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz were among the prominent speakers advocating for increased aid and cooperation. The summit also marked a milestone as it was the first time Sweden and Finland participated as full members of NATO. This move was widely recognized as a strengthening of the defense alliance, especially given the current geopolitical situation in Europe.
“We need to do more. We need to continue supporting Ukraine. We need to donate more and faster,” said Mette Frederiksen during the press conference, specifically mentioning the need for ammunition and other forms of military support. Olaf Scholz expressed satisfaction with the collective efforts of the Nordic countries and Germany, emphasizing their role in NATO: “Having Sweden and Finland as members makes NATO stronger,” he said.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre also pointed out the direct threat from Russia, which shares a border with Norway. “We have a neighbor who has attacked another neighbor,” he said, underscoring the seriousness of Russian aggression. Denmark has also taken concrete steps to support Ukraine, including a plan to donate 19 F-16 fighter jets expected to arrive this summer.
This summit highlights the Nordic and German commitment to standing together in international conflicts and strengthening transatlantic defense cooperation through NATO.