On 13 December 2023, President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö attended the Nordic-Ukrainian Summit in Oslo. The summit discussed the situation of Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, the Nordic countries’ continued support for Ukraine and Ukraine’s initiative for a just peace.
At the joint press conference with the leaders of the Nordic countries, President Niinistö thanked Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre of Norway for continuing the tradition of summits that began in Helsinki in May 2023.
“The result of today’s summit is better understanding as well as more united and stronger support for Ukraine”, President Niinistö said
President Niinistö pointed out that Finland is currently preparing the 21st aid package for Ukraine. A total of EUR 2.2 billion has been provided to Ukraine since the start of the war of aggression, including EUR 1.5 billion for defence equipment.
However, according to the President, Europe needs to pay more attention to increasing the production capacity of the arms industry. Finland has decided, among other things, to double its ammunition production. “Unfortunately, times have changed. We no longer live in a Europe that is always at peace and safe. When circumstances change, we have to learn to change ourselves and our thinking.”
President Niinistö concluded by stressing that it is very important that we fully support a just, fair and lasting peace in Ukraine.
Following the summit, the leaders of the Nordic countries issued a joint statement strongly condemning Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and reaffirming their unwavering support for Ukraine.
“The Nordic countries are ensuring long-term support for Ukraine. We stand united in bolstering Ukraine’s resilience and capacity to defend itself and remain ready to support Ukraine today, tomorrow and in the years to come.”
The statement recognizes that Ukraine’s resistance is also a fight for our common security and fundamental principles of international law, The Nordic EU countries reiterated their support of opening accession negotiations with Ukraine and their continued support for Ukraine on its path towards future NATO membership. “Ukraine has the right to independently choose its own security arrangements.”
In addition to President Niinistö, the summit was attended by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson, Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen and Prime Minister of Iceland Katrín Jakobsdóttir. The Oslo summit was hosted by Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of Norway.
President Niinistö’s programme in Oslo also included bilateral meetings with President Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Gahr Støre and a lunch hosted by the King of Norway.
Joint statement of the Nordic–Ukrainian Summit in Oslo on 13 December 2023
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President Sauli Niinistö met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre before the joint Nordic–Ukrainian Summit on 13 December 2023 in Oslo. Photo: Riikka Hietajärvi/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre, who was hosting the meeting, in discusssion with Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Iceland Katrín Jakobsdóttirir, Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson and President Sauli Niinistö. Photo: Riikka Hietajärvi/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President Sauli Niinistö shaking hands with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Nordic–Ukrainian Summit in Oslo on 13 December 2023. Photo: Riikka Hietajärvi/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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Summit discussions under way. Photo: Riikka Hietajärvi/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President Niinistö and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Nordic–Ukrainian Summit in Oslo on 13 December 2023. Photo: Riikka Hietajärvi/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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The participants of the joint Nordic–Ukrainian Summit in Oslo: Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson, Prime Minister of Iceland Katrín Jakobsdóttir, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre, President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen. Photo: Heiko Junge / NTB / Statsministerens kontor
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President Sauli Niinistö held bilateral talks with President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during the Nordic−Ukrainian Summit in Oslo on 13 December 2023. Photo: Riikka Hietajärvi/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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Joint press conference after the Nordic–Ukrainian Summit in Oslo: Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson, Prime Minister of Iceland Katrín Jakobsdóttir, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre, President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen. Photo: Riikka Hietajärvi/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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Joint press conference after the Nordic–Ukrainian Summit in Oslo on 13 December 2023. Photo: Riikka Hietajärvi/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland