Ukraine and NB8 Unite in Kyiv: Air Defence, Arms and Pressure on Russia Top Summit Agenda

The Ukraine-NB8 summit was held in Kyiv on August 23, bringing together President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the leaders of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden. The participants pledged to maintain military, financial, and humanitarian support for Ukraine, strengthen air defense and sanctions pressure on Russia, and expand joint defense production

This was reported by the press service of the President’s Office.

The President of Ukraine stressed that the countries of Northern Europe and the Baltics have remained among Ukraine’s most consistent partners since the start of the full-scale war. According to him, the main threat to Ukraine remains Russian ballistic missiles.

“We need progress on FREYJA every day, every week—we need our joint anti-ballistic defense to become effective. And of course, we need it as soon as possible,” Zelenskyy said.

He also thanked partners for their assistance with air defense missiles and participation in the PURL program. The president called strengthening air defense Ukraine’s top priority in the face of constant Russian attacks.

Separately, Zelensky called on European countries to help Ukraine cover the defense funding shortfall. According to him, it currently stands at $27 billion, of which about $10 billion is needed to equip the Ukrainian military in January-March 2027.

The president called for a decision at the European level on the early allocation of part of the credit financing planned for 2027.

Another priority, Zelenskyy said, is to tighten sanctions on Russia’s ballistic missile industry. He called for restrictions on Russian companies and individuals involved in the production of ballistic missiles, as well as on sanctions-evasion schemes.

Separately, the parties discussed preparations for winter. Zelensky called on partners to continue supporting the Ukrainian energy sector, including the supply of gas and equipment to restore damaged infrastructure.

The summit participants also paid attention to the Black Sea and Ukrainian food exports. Zelenskyy stated the need to protect Ukrainian ports and to increase pressure on Russia by attacking port infrastructure.

In a joint declaration, the NB8 leaders reaffirmed their “unwavering solidarity” with Ukraine and stated that they would not recognize any annexation of Ukrainian territory by Russia as legal.

The Nordic and Baltic countries pledged to continue political, military, financial, humanitarian, and economic support to Ukraine for as long as necessary to achieve a just and lasting peace.

The declaration also emphasizes the need to provide Ukraine with reliable security guarantees and the return of all forcibly displaced and illegally deported Ukrainian children.

Separately, the NB8 supported accelerating Ukraine’s accession to the European Union. The countries called for the opening of the remaining negotiation areas for Ukraine’s accession in September-October 2026 without further delay.

In the defense sector, the allies agreed to deepen cooperation between Ukrainian and NB8 companies. This includes, in particular, joint production of:

• • drones;

• • air defense systems;

• • electronic warfare systems;

• • ammunition;

• • other critical defense technologies.

The NB8 countries also confirmed continued defense assistance to Ukraine in 2026 and beyond through bilateral agreements, multilateral mechanisms, and the PURL program.

The parties agreed to strengthen support for the Ukrainian energy sector ahead of winter and to work to provide Ukraine with air defense equipment, including ballistic missile interceptors.

The declaration also calls for increased sanctions pressure on Russia, including reducing its energy revenues, countering sanctions evasion through third countries, and continuing the fight against the Russian “shadow fleet.”

In addition, the NB8 countries confirmed their shared commitment to the reconstruction of Ukraine. The 2027 Conference on the Restoration of Ukraine is to be held in Tallinn and, as stated in the declaration, will provide an opportunity to attract additional international financial support, investment, and partnerships.

By the way, Ukraine and Finland have signed 3 memorandums of understanding on cooperation in the field of defense technologies on land, at sea, and in the air. The documents provide for the joint development and production of drones, the development of maritime unmanned systems, and the creation of an enterprise to produce ground robotic complexes.

It was previously reported that Norway plans to provide Ukraine with 85 billion Norwegian kroner, or about $9.2 billion, in financial support in 2027. The funds will be used to address Ukraine’s military, humanitarian, and financial needs.

Recall that on August 23, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda spoke in Ukrainian at the celebrations marking Ukraine’s National Flag Day in Kyiv. He assured that Lithuania would continue to support Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia and its allies.

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