The Nordic–Baltic Eight issued a joint statement on the war in Ukraine and the upcoming Trump-Putin meeting, reaffirming their unwavering support for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine against Russia's illegal war of aggression .

The leaders of the eight countries welcomed Trump's initiative to end the conflict and build a just and lasting peace. They stressed that the peace process must safeguard Ukraine's vital security interests and that no decision can be made without the participation of Ukraine and Europe.

The announcement of the Nordic and Baltic Eight:

We remain steadfast in our unwavering support for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine in the face of Russia's illegal war of aggression.

We welcome President Trump's initiative to contribute to ending this war and laying the foundations for a just and lasting peace, which will ensure the security of Ukraine and the stability of Europe.

We stand ready to contribute to this effort diplomatically, while maintaining our significant military and economic support for Ukraine. We will continue to uphold and enforce restrictive measures against the Russian Federation. Peace will only be achieved through a combination of decisive diplomacy, unwavering support for Ukraine, and sustained pressure on Russia to end its illegal war.

We share the conviction that a diplomatic solution must ensure the vital security interests of both Ukraine and Europe. These interests include strong and reliable security guarantees, which will allow Ukraine to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We reaffirm the principle that international borders should not be changed by force.

Negotiations can only take place within the framework of a ceasefire. President Zelensky has clearly stated that Ukraine is ready for peace talks, with full respect for its sovereignty.

The Ukrainian people must have the freedom to decide their future. The path to peace cannot be charted without the voice of Ukraine. No decision for Ukraine without Ukraine and no decision for Europe without Europe.

The Nordic–Baltic Eight will remain by Ukraine's side, united in purpose and determined to defend our security.

We will continue to work closely with the United States, Ukraine, and other partners to achieve a peace that is just, lasting, and grounded in the principles of the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act, and international law.

Both unhappy

US Vice President , J.D. Vance, said that a negotiated settlement between Russia and Ukraine is unlikely to fully satisfy both sides and that any peace deal would likely leave both Moscow and Kiev unhappy.

He said the US goal is to have a deal that both countries can accept. It's not going to make anyone very happy. Both the Russians and the Ukrainians, at the end of the day, will probably be unhappy with it, he told Fox News.

Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupiers

Donald Trump announced on Friday that he will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15 to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. Trump said that Russia and Ukraine are close to a ceasefire agreement that could end the conflict, possibly requiring Ukraine to hand over significant territory.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, however, stated that Ukraine cannot violate its Constitution on issues of territorial integrity, adding: Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupiers.

In the interview, Vance said the US is working to schedule talks between Putin, Zelensky and Trump, but he said it would not be productive for Putin to meet with Zelensky before he talks with Trump."We are at a point where we are trying to work out the timing and issues of when these three leaders could sit down and discuss ending the conflict," he said.

A White House official said Saturday that Trump is open to a summit with both leaders, but for now the White House is scheduling the bilateral meeting requested by Putin.