In connection with the Nordic Council's annual session being held in Stockholm, the countries' leaders met with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (The Moderate Party).
Nordic preparedness is one of the most important points on the agenda.
When the war in Ukraine ends, it is clear that Russia will move its forces to its western borders, on the other side of our border, says Finland's Prime Minister Petteri Orpo at the joint press conference.
He states that more must be done to strengthen Nordic security.
Alarming signs
Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre is concerned about Russia's various tests of new weapons. Most recently, an alleged nuclear-powered robot that can carry nuclear weapons.
Norway has a long tradition of closely following tests of Russian weapons in the north, says Gahr Støre.
He notes, however, that the new robot is not intended for use against Norway and that much is unclear about the new robot, but adds:
It is an alarming sign that Russia is putting so much emphasis on its weapons development.
Iceland's Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir wants NATO to pay more attention to what Russia is doing in the far north.
We cannot be naive in that region either, she says.
EU praises
Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen points out that Russia is waging a hybrid war against Europe, by trying to create refugee crises, through sabotage and influence campaigns. But she cannot confirm that it was Russia that was behind the suspected drones over Danish airports a few weeks ago.
We must all remember that part of hybrid warfare is that it should be extremely difficult to draw any conclusions, she says.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was also present at the meeting. She praises Nordic preparedness as a role model for Europe.
No one does it like you, she says.
Von der Leyen highlights the Nordic countries' knowledge and experience in everything from monitoring Arctic areas in the north to deterring "a troublesome neighbor in the east" (Russia).
All this serves as a guide for all of Europe, she says.
