Statement by the Prime Ministers of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden
Nordic Solidarity with Ukraine: One Year On

Today, one year has passed since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. For 365 days, this unjustified, unprovoked, and illegal military attack has caused unimaginable suffering, death, and destruction on a scale not seen on our continent since World War II. Millions have had to flee the safety of their homes, families are being torn apart, and the heinous attacks on civilian population and critical infrastructure continue to hurt the innocent and the vulnerable.

We, the Nordic countries, express our unwavering solidarity with Ukraine. We support its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. We stand firmly with the Ukrainian people and commend their brave resistance, endurance, and sacrifice. We will continue, for as long as it takes, our steadfast support with political, military, humanitarian, and economic assistance, and we strongly support Ukraine in its Euro-Atlantic aspirations. 
 
We condemn Russia’s brutal aggression in the strongest possible terms. Russia’s war is a blatant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter, and it constitutes the gravest threat to Euro-Atlantic security in decades. There needs to be a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine in line with the principles of the UN Charter. Only Russia can end this war by ceasing hostilities and withdrawing its forces from the territory of Ukraine. We continue to call on the Russian Federation to immediately do so. 

Peace must be based on justice and accountability. Amassing reports of sexual violence, including rape, are but one example of horrible systematic violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law perpetrated by the Russian forces. Civilians forcibly transferred out of Ukraine, including children, must be allowed to return to their homes. All reports of atrocities and grave human rights violations must be properly investigated, and perpetrators of war of crimes held to account. There can be no impunity.

The consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine are felt far and wide. Economic stability, energy and food security are seriously threatened with severe consequences for the least developed countries. Most importantly, the foundational principles underpinning European and global security are under attack. International law is our first line of defense. If this line can be crossed anywhere, security is in jeopardy everywhere. Russia’s continued aggression threatens democracy, violates human rights, and challenges the rule of law. These fundamental values must be protected. Ukraine’s struggle is our struggle. Ukraine must prevail. 
 

Prime Ministers of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden 

24 February 2023