Baltic states reaffirm steadfast support for Ukraine

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) — The prime ministers of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania on Thursday backed a G-7 statement declaring their "steadfast support" for Ukraine’s security and independence.

In a joint statement, Estonia's Kaja Kallas, Latvia's Krisjanis Karins and Lithuania's Ingrida Simonyte reiterated their support for Kyiv against Russia's "unprovoked and brutal aggression."

"A strong, independent and prosperous Ukraine fully anchored in the Euro-Atlantic family is essential for European security. With this in mind, we join the G-7 Declaration of Support for Ukraine," said the statement.

Noting Ukraine's role in strengthening security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic region, the prime ministers said, “We recognise that Ukraine’s courageous fight helps protect Euro-Atlantic security and the rules-based international order.”

“We will continue our steadfast support for Ukraine on its path to join the Alliance as soon as possible,” added the prime ministers, recalling the NATO Summit Vilnius in which Allies agreed that “Ukraine’s future is in NATO.”

The Baltic leaders also committed to working closely with Ukraine on its way to EU membership.