Ukraine-Nordic Military Cooperation: A Deep Dive
Northern European nations extend invitations to Ukraine for upcoming military drills
Let's take a closer look at the evolving relationship between Ukraine and the Nordic countries, focusing on training, equipment, and integration into broader European security frameworks.
Training Ukrainian Brigades
- Norwegian Leadership: Directed by Norway, a multi-national effort—comprising mostly Nordic and Baltic countries—has been founded to train and equip a Ukrainian brigade. In 2025, Norway pledged NOK 10 billion (approximately EUR 850 million) for this purpose. This initiative is focused on providing building blocks, such as specialized units that can bolster existing brigades [1][2].
Enhanced Partnership with the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF)
- Invitation to Ukraine: On May 9, 2025, the JEF nations (UK, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway) extended an invitation to Ukraine for an "enhanced partnership." This move represents a significant step in Ukraine's integration into Western military structures [4][5].
- Scope of Partnership: This enhanced partnership involves Ukrainian participation in military exercises and high-level meetings. It also includes joint development of training programs for Ukrainian forces, mutual learning opportunities in modern warfare and technological innovation, and preparation for deeper Ukrainian involvement in future JEF operations [4][5].
- Strategic Significance: This partnership is seen as a step toward integrating Ukraine into the broader European security system, helping to build interoperability and resilience along the frontline [5].
Cybersecurity and Resilience
In addition to conventional military cooperation, Ukraine and the Nordic countries have created a working group to tackle cybersecurity threats, protect critical infrastructure, and foster technological innovation. This initiative emerged from the Infosec Kyiv 2025 roundtable [3].
Here's a summary table to help you grasp the main points of Ukraine-Nordic/JEF military cooperation in 2025:
| Area of Cooperation | Details | Key Countries/Organizations Involved ||---------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|| Brigade Training & Equipment | NOK 10 billion Norwegian commitment; Nordic/Baltic-led training and equipping of units | Norway, Nordic/Baltic countries, Ukraine || JEF Partnership | Ukraine invited for enhanced partnership, joint exercises, and deeper integration | JEF nations (inc. Nordic countries), Ukraine || Cybersecurity | Joint working group on cyber threats, infrastructure protection, and innovation | Ukraine, Nordic countries |
Recent Commitments and Outlook
In December 2024, JEF nations announced that their combined military support for Ukraine in 2025 would surpass EUR 12 billion [4]. The enhanced partnership and ongoing training initiatives reflect a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to assisting Ukraine's defense and facilitating Ukraine's integration into European security structures.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, it's clear that the Nordic countries, through initiatives like the JEF, are committed to supporting their eastern neighbor in its effort to build a stronger, more resilient defense.
- Keir Starmer, the UK's Labor Party leader, has emphasized the importance of the employment policy in the context of war-and-conflicts and general-news, stating that a ready multilateralism approach is essential for addressing the issues arising from such conflicts and supplementing existing employment policies.
- The community policy, in light of Ukraine's evolving relationship with the Nordic countries, needs to address the potential influx of Ukrainian personnel seeking employment as a result of the enhanced partnership with the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) and training initiatives.
- In the context of the Ukraine-Nordic military cooperation, the focus on training Ukrainian brigades and developing a joint approach to cybersecurity presents opportunities for innovation and job creation, becoming integral parts of the employment policy.
- The increased military training and exercises with the JEF nations, as part of the enhanced partnership, could require hiring more civilian personnel for logistical and support services, among other roles, further emphasizing the significance of the employment policy.
