Nordic, Baltic Leaders Pledge Continued Support at Kyiv Flag Day Ceremony
Nordic and Baltic leaders joined Zelenskyy in Kyiv for Flag Day, pledging sustained support and new air defense cooperation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed leaders from six Nordic and Baltic nations to Kyiv on Sunday for a flag-raising ceremony marking Ukraine's National Flag Day. The event brought together the prime ministers of Denmark, Norway, Estonia, and Latvia, alongside the presidents of Lithuania and Finland.
In remarks at the ceremony, Zelenskyy described the visiting leaders as "true friends and partners" in Ukraine's struggle. "Today we stand here together," he said, expressing gratitude for their support.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who traveled to Kyiv by train, acknowledged the challenges ahead. "We all know that the winter is coming," he said, adding that support would continue "for as long as it takes." Stubb expressed confidence in Ukraine's eventual victory, stating, "Be sure you will win."
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen highlighted past military contributions, including weapons, ammunition, tanks, and F-16s. She announced a new joint commitment to develop a missile system "quickly" to strengthen both Ukraine's air defense and Europe's broader security.
The ceremony comes amid growing concerns over Ukraine's air defense capabilities. Zelenskyy, in a separate off-the-record briefing with reporters on Saturday, disclosed figures showing a declining supply of Patriot missiles from Western allies over the past three years, even as Russian strikes have intensified. A transcript of those remarks was released publicly on Sunday.