The Nordic Region’s respect for freedom is based on its long and peaceful existence as a free society. Ukraine also has the right to regain its own freedom. It is therefore time to step up co-operation between Ukraine and the Nordics and other countries in the west. This was the message from the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy when he addressed the 2024 Session of the Nordic Council in Iceland.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has just addressed the 2024 Session of the Nordic Council in Iceland. He had a clear message for the Nordic politicians and ministers gathered in Iceland’s packed parliament building, the Alþingi.
“I’m grateful for the Nordic countries’ unwavering support for Ukraine, support that is among the strongest in the world, and which I hope will continue with even closer co-operation,” said Zelenskyy.
Nordic support for Ukraine
President of the Nordic Council Bryndís Haraldsdóttir stressed the Nordic Council’s continued support for Ukraine.
“Democratic values and international rules are under attack, and Ukraine is the battlefield. We stand firmly in solidarity with Ukraine. Your fight is our fight,” said Haraldsdóttir.
Ukraine and NATO
There’s no mistaking President Zelenskyy’s gratitude for the Nordic Region’s continued support. Yet war still rages in Ukraine, and he feels it’s time to strengthen ties even further by admitting Ukraine as a member of the EU and NATO.
Birgir Ármannsson, Speaker of the Alþingi, also referred to the recent Nordic enlargement of NATO, with both Finland and Sweden now admitted as members.
“These are historic times for the Nordic Region and our security, with all the Nordic countries now members of NATO. I believe that Ukrainian membership of NATO is the key to security for Ukraine and all of Europe,” said Ármannsson.
“I’m grateful for the Nordic countries’ unwavering support for Ukraine, support that is among the strongest in the world, and which I hope will continue with even closer co-operation
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Time to bring Ukraine’s children home
Time is of the essence for Zelenskyy, who ended his speech by talking about the tens of thousands of children taken into Russia from the occupied Ukrainian territories and are now being told Putin’s version of events. “It’s time to bring them home,” President Zelenskyy concluded.
Source: The Nordic Council
