Diplomat Foreign Desk
Bucharest: Leaders of the Bucharest Nine (B9) and Nordic Allies have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening NATO’s collective defence, enhancing military capabilities and maintaining unwavering support for Ukraine amid continuing security challenges posed by Russia.
The joint statement was issued following a high-level meeting held in Bucharest, attended by NATO Secretary General and the President of Ukraine. The United States Government also participated as an observer.
The leaders said the meeting reflected a shared commitment to reinforcing security and defence cooperation across NATO’s Eastern Flank, stretching from the Black Sea to the Baltic, Nordic and Arctic regions. They reiterated that the transatlantic partnership remains the backbone of collective security and pledged to work towards a stronger Europe within a stronger NATO framework.
Highlighting the evolving security environment, the leaders described Russia as the most significant, long-term and direct threat to Allied security. They stressed the need for NATO to maintain a strong forward defence posture and reaffirmed their commitment to fully resource NATO defence plans, improve military mobility and strengthen critical infrastructure, including extending NATO’s fuel pipeline network to the Eastern Flank.
The B9 and Nordic leaders strongly condemned Russia’s confrontational activities against Allies and partners, including sabotage, cyberattacks, hybrid warfare and repeated airspace violations. They emphasised the urgent need to reinforce NATO’s air and missile defence systems, particularly against unmanned aerial system (UAS) threats.
The leaders also underscored the importance of safeguarding maritime security and protecting critical maritime infrastructure while upholding freedom of navigation under international law. They welcomed initiatives such as Baltic Sentry, Eastern Sentry and Arctic Sentry, aimed at strengthening NATO’s presence and operational readiness in vulnerable regions.
Calling for a stronger transatlantic defence industrial base, the leaders advocated increased defence production, resilient supply chains, multinational procurement and sustained investment in innovation and research. They also stressed the value of lessons learned through close cooperation with Ukraine.
The statement welcomed European Union initiatives such as Eastern Flank Watch, designed to strengthen defence preparedness along the EU’s eastern borders.
Reiterating their strong support for Ukraine, the B9 and Nordic Allies firmly condemned Russia’s war and reaffirmed support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within internationally recognised borders. The leaders also backed Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations and pledged continued assistance through all available mechanisms, including NATO’s Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative.
The leaders expressed support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, based on international law and supported by credible security guarantees. They welcomed ongoing peace efforts led by the United States along with Allies and partners and praised Ukraine’s constructive engagement in the process.
The joint statement further expressed concern over the situation in the Middle East and voiced support for efforts aimed at safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The B9 and Nordic Allies also pledged to deepen NATO–European Union cooperation and strengthen engagement with strategic partners, including Moldova, while reaffirming their determination to ensure a more combat-capable, resilient and prepared Alliance.
The leaders concluded by stating that ensuring stronger Euro-Atlantic security remains their primary strategic objective and expressed anticipation for the next meeting to be held in Poland.