Denys Shmyhal: Ukraine obtains “Enhanced Partnership” status with the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF)

The defence ministers of the JEF member countries signed the respective memorandum during a meeting in Norway, which was attended by Ukraine’s Defence Minister.

Thanks to the initiative of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine was represented for the first time at the meeting of defence ministers of JEF member states. Ukraine’s Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal participated at the invitation of the Minister of Defence of Norway, Tore Sandvik, and the UK Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey.

“Ukraine has the capacity to strengthen JEF. For the first time, a non-member country has been awarded the status of ‘Enhanced Partnership’. Ukraine is prepared to contribute to the pursuit of our shared objectives,” stated Denys Shmyhal, highlighting this historic milestone. 

He added that Ukraine’s contribution could be realised not only through joint exercises but also through innovative partnerships and collaboration in the defence industry. The Ukrainian minister also highlighted Ukraine’s readiness to share its expertise in countering hybrid aggression, employing air defence forces, using drones, protecting national infrastructure, and conducting long-range strikes. 

Furthermore, the participation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in joint exercises is planned to ensure full interoperability and preparedness for joint action in crises.

In turn, Ukraine expects its partners to provide access to European technologies and production facilities that could serve as a basis for establishing joint manufacturing.

“I would like to express my gratitude to Norway for hosting today’s meeting, to the United Kingdom for its continued leadership, and to all participants of the JEF meeting for their steadfast support and commitment to our shared goal. Together, we will be able to deter aggression, protect our people, and secure a peaceful and stable Europe for future generations,” stated Ukraine’s Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal, expressing his gratitude.

The Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) is a coalition established by the United Kingdom in 2015 that brings together the countries of Northern Europe and the Baltic region: Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway.