The relevant memorandum was signed by the defense ministers of JEF member countries during a meeting in Norway, with the participation of Ukraine’s Minister of Defense.
Thanks to the initiative of President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine was represented for the first time at the meeting of the defense ministers of JEF member states. Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal participated at the invitation of Norway’s Minister of Defense Tore Sandvik and the United Kingdom’s Minister of Defense John Healey.
“Ukraine is capable of strengthening the JEF. For the first time, the ‘Enhanced Partnership’ status has been granted to a country that is not a member of the force. Ukraine is ready to contribute to achieving shared goals,” Shmyhal highlighted this historic moment.
He added that Ukraine’s contribution could come not only through joint exercises but also via innovative partnerships and cooperation in the defense industry. The Ukrainian minister also noted Ukraine’s readiness to share expertise in countering hybrid aggression, air defense operations, drone usage, protection of national infrastructure, and conducting long-range strikes.
Additionally, the Ukrainian Armed Forces plan to participate in joint exercises to achieve full interoperability and readiness to act together in crisis situations.
In return, Ukraine expects access to European technologies and manufacturing capacities, which could serve as a base for joint production.
“I am grateful to Norway for organizing today’s meeting, to the United Kingdom for its continued leadership, and to all JEF participants for their steadfast support and commitment to a shared goal. Together, we can deter aggression, protect our people, and ensure a peaceful, stable Europe for future generations,” said Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal.
The Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) is a coalition established by the United Kingdom in 2015, with participation from nine other Northern European countries: Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway.
