The Baltic and Scandinavian nations have launched joint training for a Ukrainian brigade as part of the “Nordic-Baltic Brigade” project.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umierov announced this following the NB8 meeting, which gathered the defense ministers of Norway, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

“Norway is allocating €7.8 billion in 2025 — one of the largest aid budgets to Ukraine. These funds will be used to enhance maritime and air defense capabilities. Norway also supports military training under the ‘Nordic-Baltic Brigade’ and is investing in Ukraine’s defense industry,” Umierov stated.

In addition, according to him, Iceland has already joined the training, and Estonia is preparing to participate as well.

The Nordic-Baltic Brigade

The “Nordic-Baltic Brigade” initiative was first introduced on February 24, 2025, when the presidents of Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania, along with the prime ministers of Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, pledged to provide equipment and train the Ukrainian brigade.

They also committed to increasing support for Ukraine in areas such as air defense, ammunition supply, and investments in the Ukrainian defense sector.

The project began in September 2024 under the name “Northern Brigade,” when the Ukrainian government proposed that the Northern European states prepare a Ukrainian battalion each. Later, the Baltic countries also joined the project.

The project began in September 2024 under the name “Northern Brigade,” with Ukraine proposing that each Northern European state prepare a Ukrainian battalion. The Baltic countries joined the effort later.

“This brigade is a request from Ukraine, which we, along with our Nordic and Baltic allies, will fulfill. The brigade will be formed through close cooperation between Ukraine and the involved countries,” Norway’s Prime Minister stated on February 24.

According to him, a brigade consists of 3,000 to 5,000 soldiers and includes 3-4 line battalions, along with supporting units such as engineering and medical units. The exact size of this brigade has yet to be determined.

At the same time, it will be flexible, allowing Ukraine to use it as needed.

Norway will also lead the practical planning of the soldiers’ training. Countries involved are working together to determine how they can contribute, including providing uniforms and supporting exercises, in close coordination with Ukraine.

Prime Minister also added that Norway, along with other Nordic and Baltic nations, has already identified the types of uniforms suitable for the brigade. This includes equipment from both Norwegian reserve structures and directly purchased from Ukraine’s defense industry. The final decision on Norway’s contribution will depend on what other allies can provide and the long-term development plan for the Norwegian Armed Forces.