Europe's security is intertwined with Ukraine's security
Icelandic Foreign Minister Thordis Kolbrun Reykfjord Gylfadottir delivers a doorstep statement before talks on December 17, 2024, in Tallinn, Estonia, before attending the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Leader's Summit. AFP/Marko Mumm
Foreign Minister Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörður Gylfadóttir attended a meeting of the leaders of the Joint Response Force (JRF) this week. The development of security issues in Europe, increased cooperation between the JRF countries and defense support for Ukraine were discussed at the meeting, which ended yesterday.
“It was clear at the meeting that Europe’s security is intertwined with the security of Ukraine and how it is faring in the fight against the Russian invaders. We need to look at support for their defense efforts in this light and look at what precedent we are setting for the future,” Þórdís was quoted as saying in a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Leaders of the JEF countries. (L-R) Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Finland's President Alexander Stubb, the Netherlands' Prime Minister Dick Schoof, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Estonia 's Prime Minister Kristen Michal, Latvia's Prime Minister Evika Sili?a, Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda and Iceland's Foreign Minister Thordis Kolbrun Reykfjord Gylfadottir pose for a family photo during the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Leader's Summit on December 16, 2024, in Tallinn, Estonia. AFP/Leon Neal
Zelensky addresses meeting attendees
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the meeting attendees via videoconference, where the war in Ukraine was discussed and how to effectively ensure the implementation and monitoring of restrictive measures against Russia.
According to the announcement, the leaders agreed to continue to strengthen defense, response capabilities and cooperation between the countries in this area.
The leaders also agreed to strengthen consultations on Russia's shadow fleet, which is used to evade sanctions.
Russia the greatest threat
The leaders issued a joint statement in connection with the meeting, which states that Russia is the greatest, direct and long-term threat to security, peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area.
Ten years have passed since the establishment of the JEF, and Iceland joined the forces in 2021.
