August 19, 2025 – Helsinki, Finland – Global Affairs Canada

The foreign ministers of the Nordic countries and Canada convened in Nuuksio, Espoo, on 19 August 2025 and gave a joint statement on their support of Ukraine:

“We, the Foreign Ministers of the five Nordic countries and Canada, meeting in Nuuksio, Finland, on 19 August 2025, welcome the joint efforts by the United States, Ukraine and Europe to stop the killing, to end Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, and to achieve just and lasting peace.

“We welcome the stated commitment by the United States to provide, together with Europe and Canada, security guarantees for Ukraine. The Nordic countries and Canada are ready to play an active role in combining the efforts of the Coalition of the Willing with those of the United States to ensure the strength and credibility of these security guarantees. There must be no limitations on Ukraine’s armed forces or on its cooperation with third countries.

“We underscore that peace in Ukraine cannot be negotiated without Ukraine’s participation. The Nordic countries and Canada support the work towards a cessation of hostilities, and direct negotiations between the Presidents of Ukraine and Russia.

“Respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty is of vital importance. Russia does not have a veto against Ukraine’s pathway to the EU and NATO. Only Ukraine can make decisions concerning its territory. We reaffirm the principle that international borders must not be changed by force.

“We will continue our strong support to Ukraine. Our support will be based on Ukraine’s needs and our strengths and capabilities. Ukraine’s security is integral to European, Euro-Atlantic and global security. Substantial and well-coordinated military aid to Ukraine remains a strategic priority. We will continue our comprehensive support to the Ukrainian society and the reconstruction of Ukraine.

“Thousands of Ukrainian children have been forcibly transferred and unlawfully deported by Russia since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. We call for their immediate return.

“For as long as Russia continues its war of aggression against Ukraine, we – together with partners and allies – will continue to maintain and increase pressure on Russia’s war economy. We will uphold existing restrictive measures, impose further sanctions, and focus on their effective implementation. Russia poses a long-term threat to European security.

“As Ukraine will soon celebrate its 34th Independence Day on 24 August 2025, we, the Foreign Ministers of the Nordic countries and Canada, reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.”