Statement by the defense ministers of the Nordic countries on the situation in Ukraine
On December 21, 2021, the defense ministers of the Nordic countries issued a joint statement on the situation in Ukraine. Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Iceland are concerned about Russia's actions in Ukraine and the fact that troops are grouped near the country's borders. The Nordic countries are also concerned about the impact of Russia's actions on the overall security situation. The Nordic countries are closely monitoring the situation and lend their full support to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. You can read the full statement in English below.
Nordic defense ministers statement
We Nordic defense ministers follow the latest developments in and around Ukraine with great concern. The recent Russian military activity, especially the unique military expansion along Ukraine's borders, is a worrying phenomenon that could have a destabilizing effect on our common security environment.
Transparency, refraining from the use of military force, and adhering to both the letter and spirit of the OSCE commitments and principles and the 2011 Vienna Document are paramount.
We continue to closely follow the situation in and around Ukraine. In 2019, the Nordic Defense Cooperation (NORDEFCO) established the Crisis Consultation Mechanism to facilitate rapid consultation on all urgent matters of common interest. We recently held a ministerial consultation to discuss the current situation near the Ukrainian border and we will continue to maintain close contacts.
The Nordic countries continue to strongly support Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and the right to decide its own foreign and security policy course without outside interference. We reject the notion of spheres of influence in Europe.
The Minsk agreements and political dialogue remain the basis for resolving the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
Source: regjeringen
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