Indlæg i Financial Times om støtte til Ukraine

Indlæg i Financial Times fra d. 13. december 2023. Indlægget er skrevet af Danmarks statsminister Mette Frederiksen, Sveriges statsminister Ulf Kristersson, Norges statsminister Jonas Gahr Støre, Finlands præsident Sauli Niinistö og Islands statsminister Katrín Jakobsdóttir.

As Russia’s war of aggression continues, we need to double down on our commitment to long-term political, financial, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine.

This is a critical time for Ukraine, for Europe and for global security. Lessening support to Ukraine now is not an option. On the contrary, now is the time to harness support and stick to our plans for how we will help Ukraine be successful in the war, rebuild the country and defend itself in the long run.

Russia is eager to exploit divisions. We must continue to stand united against Russia’s illegal and immoral war just as we have done since the invasion. Otherwise we risk a world with less freedom and less security for decades, if not generations, to come.

As the war approaches its two-year mark, we must reaffirm our support to Ukraine. We should continue to contribute to Ukraine’s long-term security, bolster short-term civilian humanitarian aid, as well as the reconstruction efforts, and support its pursuit of a just peace.

Ukraine cannot defend itself against Russia with only words. The war is not won without weapons. For Ukraine to be able to defend its territory and secure its internationally recognised borders, we the Nordic countries will continue to provide comprehensive assistance to Ukraine, including economic and military support, immediate humanitarian aid for civilians and financial support to aid in the reconstruction of Ukrainian society when conditions allow. We need to continue to do our best to deliver what Ukraine needs.

Brave Ukrainian soldiers are fighting every day. Their fight for freedom is our fight as well. Ukraine’s freedom is inextricably linked to ours.

How we act in supporting Ukraine is being closely monitored. Our message must be that we cannot let them down. We must show that our beliefs in human dignity, freedom and justice are not negotiable. We will not allow an aggressor to dictate the terms of European security.

The Ukrainians fight courageously for their country’s very existence. For freedom, for democracy and for the right to decide one’s own future. Over the last 22 months, they have inspired and impressed the world and continue to do so.

Ukraine needs our continued support, our partnership and our solidarity more than ever. Their fight for freedom depends on our perseverance in staying the course. Our shared security depends on it as well.

Now is not the time to tire.

Mette Frederiksen

Prime Minister of Denmark

Jonas Gahr Støre

Prime Minister of Norway

Sauli Niinistö

President of Finland

Ulf Kristersson

Prime Minister of Sweden

Katrín Jakobsdóttir

Prime Minister of Iceland