Ukraine took center stage at the regional summit held in Tallinn, Estonia, with leaders of eight Nordic and Baltic countries openly expressing their support for Kyiv’s Euro-Atlantic path. Through a joint statement, participants reiterated that they consider Ukraine’s NATO and European Union integration process of strategic importance both for the country and for Europe’s overall security. The presence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the summit added particular symbolism to the proceedings, while leaders’ statements demonstrated that support for Kyiv remains strong despite the ongoing military conflict with Russia.
Ukraine: “Irreversible” path to NATO
Leaders from Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia adopted a joint declaration emphasizing their support for Ukraine’s “irreversible path” toward full NATO and European Union membership. The statement makes special reference to Ukraine’s role in the Alliance’s overall security. “Ukraine is a strategic security partner for NATO, directly contributing to Euro-Atlantic security through its battlefield experience, technological innovation, and industrial capabilities.”
The eight leaders emphasized that Kyiv’s path toward Euro-Atlantic integration must continue without deviation, reaffirming their support for the country’s NATO membership. They also welcomed Ukraine’s expected participation in the upcoming NATO summit, scheduled for July 7-8 in Ankara.
Nordic-Baltic Heads of Government side by side with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Tallinn today. And with Ukraine, everyday.
🇩🇰🇫🇮🇮🇸🇺🇦🇪🇪🇳🇴🇱🇻🇱🇹🇸🇪#StrongerTogether #NB8 #StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/S28zxrt60D
— Anders H. Eide (@AndersEideNOR) June 9, 2026
Ukraine: Agreement with Latvia and strengthened defense cooperation
On the summit’s sidelines, another significant development occurred for Kyiv. Latvia’s new Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs and Volodymyr Zelensky signed a defense cooperation agreement. The agreement provides for closer collaboration between the two countries and gives Latvia access to valuable Ukrainian experience in countering drone attacks and protecting airspace.
This cooperation gains particular importance as Baltic countries have recently recorded increased incidents of airspace violations by drones. Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, which border Russia or are in close geographical proximity to Russian territory, have repeatedly expressed security concerns and are investing significantly in their defensive capabilities.
Ukraine: Macron’s message and European prospects
French President Emmanuel Macron participated in the summit via video conference, reaffirming France’s support for Eastern European allies. The French president referenced his country’s military presence in Baltic regions and emphasized that France remains committed to defending European border security.
Special mention was made of Monday’s incident when French Rafale jets participating in NATO missions in Baltic countries shot down a drone over Latvian territory. Macron argued that Russia has not achieved its strategic objectives in Ukraine.
“Russia is failing in Ukraine. This shows that its territorial and strategic claims are futile. However, it persists in provoking its neighbors in an attempt to break out of this deadlock.” Concluding his intervention, he sent a message of unity to allies. “We will face this together.” Meanwhile, Nordic and Baltic leaders emphasized that Ukraine’s European prospects must advance without delays. They welcomed the progress Kyiv has achieved in reforms required for European Union membership and advocated for immediately beginning all relevant negotiating chapters within the coming months. In their assessment, Ukraine’s EU integration concerns not only the country’s future but is directly connected to stability, security, and geopolitical balance across the entire European continent.
