Eight Nordic and Baltic nations just told Donald Trump exactly what they won’t accept in any Ukraine peace deal.

Their message, released four days before Trump meets Vladimir Putin in Alaska on 15 August, clearly states — don’t trade Ukrainian territory for a ceasefire.

According to Leaders of the Nordic-Baltic Eight, any diplomatic solution must protect the security interests of both Ukraine and Europe. The statement, published on the Swedish government website on 10 August, includes Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden.

The statement emphasizes that “peace will only come through a combination of determined diplomacy, unwavering support for Ukraine, and consistent pressure on the Russian Federation to halt its unlawful war.”

The countries assert that talks can only occur within the context of a ceasefire and that Ukraine must receive “robust and credible security guarantees” to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The statement reaffirms that “international borders must not be changed by force.”

“No decisions on Ukraine without Ukraine, and no decisions on Europe without Europe,” their joint statement declares.

This position aligns with President Zelenskyy’s stated readiness for peace talks conducted with full respect for Ukrainian sovereignty and right to determine its own future.

Earlier, other EU leaders, including France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Britain also warned Trump against pressuring Ukraine into making territorial concessions and emphasized their commitment to maintaining military support for Ukraine regardless of any such pressure.

But why do these countries even care?

The Nordic-Baltic countries have provided billions in military aid to Ukraine and maintain some of Europe’s most advanced defense industries.

Their assistance includes financial aid, training and equipment for Ukrainian brigades. They also uphold sanctions against Russia and work closely with the US and other partners to maintain strong diplomatic pressure on Russia to end the conflict.

Moreover, Finland shares an 830-mile border with Russia and the Baltic states lived under Soviet occupation for five decades so they are threatened by a potential future Russian attack.

Can Trump ignore these appeals?

Technically, yes. Practically, much harder. Any sustainable peace deal needs European buy-in for reconstruction funding, security guarantees, and long-term deterrence.

The Nordic-Baltic countries are betting Trump understands this. Their statement commits to continued military aid and sanctions against Russia while offering to help diplomatically—if their conditions are met.