Key facts
- Leaders from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Norway visited Kyiv.
- The visit occurred on the eve of Ukraine's Independence Day.
- UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is attending, marking his first trip to Kyiv since taking office.
- Ukraine and Finland signed defense industry cooperation agreements, including drone manufacturing.
- President Zelensky met with former US Vice President Mike Pence to discuss air defense capabilities.
Nordic and Baltic leaders, alongside UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and other European officials, have arrived in Kyiv to mark Ukraine's Independence Day and demonstrate solidarity. The delegation includes representatives from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Norway, as well as European Council President Antonio Costa, Moldovan President Maia Sandu, and Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha welcomed the leaders, emphasizing that their presence signifies Ukraine is not alone in its defense. The visit precedes a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, established by London and Paris. During their stay, the leaders are scheduled to hold bilateral and multilateral discussions with President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda confirmed his participation in the events and meetings. Early outcomes include a roundtable on Ukrainian-Finnish defense industry cooperation, where agreements were signed for the development and production of drones in Finland for Ukraine and Europe, expansion of uncrewed naval systems, and the establishment of a company for manufacturing uncrewed ground vehicles. Finnish companies Insta, Boomeranger, and Patria were involved.
President Zelensky also met with former US Vice President Mike Pence, briefing him on Russia's missile attacks and the need for enhanced air defense capabilities, including potential licenses for Patriot missile production. Ukraine has reportedly received 264 Patriot missiles this year and is seeking more.