LONDON

Nordic countries and Canada on Tuesday welcomed efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war but stressed that there must be no limitations regarding Ukraine's armed forces or its cooperation.

Meeting in Espoo, Finland, foreign ministers of five Nordic countries -- Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden -- and Canada praised the efforts of the US, Europe, and Canada to provide security guarantees for Ukraine and pledged to actively coordinate with the "Coalition of the Willing" to strengthen these guarantees.

"Ukraine must face no limitations on its armed forces or its cooperation with third countries," read a joint statement, issued following the foreign ministers' meeting.

They highlighted that peace in Ukraine "cannot be negotiated" without Ukraine's participation, adding that they also supported direct negotiations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

"Russia does not have a veto against Ukraine‘s pathway to the EU and NATO. Only Ukraine can make decisions concerning its territory," added the statement.

Expressing that they will continue to support Ukraine based on Kyiv's needs, the foreign ministers noted that Ukraine’s security is integral to European, Euro-Atlantic, and global security.

"Substantial and well-coordinated military aid to Ukraine remains a strategic priority," said the statement.

As long as Russia continues "its war of aggression against Ukraine," they will continue to maintain and increase pressure on Russia, they said, adding: "Russia poses a long-term threat to European security."