With the policy, Iceland aims to support an independent and sovereign Ukraine and its Euro-Atlantic aspirations. It is based on five main elements: strong bilateral cooperation; active participation in international cooperation in support of international law and accountability; support for Ukraine’s defences; humanitarian aid; and support for Ukraine’s economy, maintenance of basic services and reconstruction, during and following the conflict. The proposal can be accessed on the website of Alþingi (Icelandic only).
Foreign Minister Bjarni Benediktsson has introduced a draft parliamentary resolution on Iceland’s long-term support for Ukraine. The aim is to signal Iceland’s unwavering commitment and solidarity with Ukraine, and to allow for long-term planning and greater efficiency in these efforts.
Speaking on the urgent need for support for Ukraine’s defences, Mr. Benediktsson said that Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine is the most serious security threat facing Europe since the end of the Second World War and a clear challenge to the international system.
Since Russia’s illegal invasion, Iceland’s defence, humanitarian, and economic support to Ukraine has amounted to appr. 5.7 billion ISK.
“Never before have we supported the defence of another country in such a direct way, and what’s more, this has enjoyed general support in parliament and among our people. It is evident that without defence there would be no need to provide funds for the reconstruction and maintenance of Ukrainian society. If the invasion succeeds, Ukraine will seize to exist,” Minister Benediktsson stated in his parliamentary address.
