Nordic and Baltic leaders pledge support for Ukraine

Leaders from Nordic and Baltic nations pledged continued military and financial support for Ukraine during a joint news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Sunday.

Zelenskyy said the talks focused on strengthening Ukraine's defenses against ballistic missiles, preparing for challenges during the coming winter and securing funding for the country's defense needs.

He also said that money is required for anti-ballistics and drone production to "respond to Russia on all escalation actions".

Finnish President Alexander Stubb said he brought representatives of seven Finnish defense companies to Kyiv to sign documents on cooperation with Ukrainian companies.

He added that this meeting is not just visuals and symbols, but that NB8 "stand behind Ukraine."

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced that Norway would provide $9 billion in support for Ukraine next year, maintaining what he described as this year's record level of assistance.

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs expressed skepticism about prospects for a negotiated peace agreement with Russia, arguing that Ukraine's partners should instead prepare for the possibility of the war continuing.

"And let's spend the time and energy in supporting Ukraine where it needs the most," Kulbergs said.