Ukraine Is in Stronger Position Now, Norwegian PM Says

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said Ukraine is now in a stronger position than before, pointing to Kyiv’s ability to push back on the front line and defend itself more effectively against Russia.

“We have the impression that you are at a better place now than we have been previously,” Støre said, addressing President Volodymyr Zelensky during the Ukraine–Northern Europe and Baltic States (NB8) Summit in Tallinn.

The Norwegian leader said Ukraine is “pushing back on the frontline,” while Russia is struggling, even as Moscow continues to strike Ukrainian civilians in what he called an “unacceptable” way.

Støre reaffirmed that the Nordic-Baltic countries remain among Ukraine’s closest allies and have supported Kyiv since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

“You are fighting, you are resisting for Ukraine, for the civilians of Ukraine, but also for the rest of Europe,” he said.

The prime minister also backed Zelensky’s call for peace, saying Ukraine has shown openness to dialogue, but only under clear conditions.

“Nobody wants peace more than Ukraine and its president,” Støre said.

He added that Norway is ready to contribute to efforts aimed at reaching peace, while stressing that partners must remain steadfast in their support as the war continues.

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Zelensky Names 3 Key Priorities After NB8 Summit

President Volodymyr Zelensky said the Ukraine–NB8 Summit in Estonia focused on three priorities: more active diplomacy, expanded air defense support, and opening all EU accession negotiation clusters. He thanked Nordic and Baltic partners for their readiness to keep strengthening sanctions pressure on Russia.

Looking ahead to winter, Støre identified air defense, protection against ballistic missiles, support for Ukraine’s energy sector and humanitarian needs as key priorities.

He also said that ahead of upcoming G7 and NATO summits, cooperation with Ukraine is becoming “much more of a two-way street,” because Kyiv has significant military experience and innovation to offer Europe.

“This is perhaps the strongest army in Europe, and with an immense ability to innovate and to move forward,” Støre said.

The prime minister concluded that Norway views its relationship with Ukraine as a long-term partnership and would continue that approach as it prepares to take over the Nordic-Baltic cooperation format.

The Tallinn summit brought together Ukraine and its closest Nordic-Baltic partners ahead of key G7, NATO and EU meetings, with leaders pledging to keep military, political and diplomatic support for Kyiv at the center of Europe’s security agenda.