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The leaders of eight Nordic and Baltic countries have sent a message to U.S. President Donald Trump, emphasizing that the war between Russia and Ukraine can only end through consistent pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In a statement, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden welcomed Trump’s moves to end the conflict ahead of his summit with Putin in Alaska on Friday. They pledged to continue imposing sanctions against Russia while supporting Ukraine.
“Peace will only come through a combination of determined diplomacy, unwavering support for Ukraine, and consistent pressure on the Russian Federation,” the statement said.
Why It Matters
This message from Trump’s allies is aimed at ensuring he does not bow to any Russian demands that might give Moscow an advantage in Friday’s summit. Other allies also commented on the stakes involved. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte noted that Ukraine must be included in peace efforts if the talks are successful, but first it is crucial to gauge Putin’s sincerity.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the idea of ceding territory to end Russia’s war, stating that any such deal would be a deception. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) and analyst Anatole Lieven also weighed in, supporting certain territorial swaps but acknowledging their painful nature for Kyiv.
If Ukraine rejects these deals and Trump ends U.S. aid to Ukraine, Russia is likely to demand even more, according to retired Australian Major General Mick Ryan. However, Ryan argued that the summit itself was an unnecessary concession by the U.S., given Moscow’s significant losses.
What Happens Next
Before Friday’s summit, much diplomatic activity is expected. European leaders plan to speak with Trump in the coming days, pushing for a ceasefire based on the current front line and advocating continued economic pressure on Russia.
