Baltic States join G7 declaration on Ukraine

Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia have joined the G7 declaration in support of Ukraine, which was adopted on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Vilnius and is also referred to as the "security guarantees" declaration, Report informs referring to Odesa Journal.

The prime ministers of the three Baltic states simultaneously issued a joint statement. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins, and Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte announced their support for the G7 declaration in support of Ukraine.

"We will work with Ukraine within this international framework to establish security commitments and mechanisms that will help Ukraine achieve victory in this war as soon as possible, support economic stability and reconstruction, ensure the implementation of reforms, resilience, and progress on its European and Euro-Atlantic path," they stated.

The prime ministers emphasized that Ukraine's struggle against the aggressor helps protect Euro-Atlantic security and the rules-based international order and promised to support Ukraine "to victory" and participate in international efforts to protect its independence, democracy, and well-being, as well as to hold those responsible for the crime of aggression accountable.

"We firmly believe that only NATO membership will provide Ukraine with security guarantees and a reliable deterrent to prevent new aggression from expansionist Russia. Ukraine's NATO membership will also significantly enhance Euro-Atlantic security and stability. At the NATO summit in Vilnius, the Allies agreed that Ukraine's future lies in NATO. We will continue unwavering support for Ukraine to become a member of the Alliance as soon as possible," the prime ministers noted.

They also pledged to cooperate with Ukraine on its path to the EU and expressed hope for the start of accession negotiations in 2023 after a proper assessment by the European Commission.

"A strong, independent, and prosperous Ukraine fully integrated into the Euro-Atlantic family is crucial for European security," the prime ministers stated.