Ukraine has been granted the status of an enhanced partner of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF). This is the first state that is not a member of the alliance to receive such a status. This was announced by Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal in Telegram.
"I am grateful to the Ministers of Defense of Norway, Tore Sandvik, and Great Britain, John Healy, for the invitation. Thanks to the initiative of President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine is represented for the first time at the meeting of defense ministers of JEF member countries — this is a historic moment," — noted Shmyhal.
He emphasized that Ukraine is ready to strengthen the potential of the JEF and share its experience in countering hybrid aggression, using air defense, using drones, protecting critical infrastructure, and conducting long-range strikes.
"We plan to have the Armed Forces of Ukraine participate in joint exercises in order to achieve full interoperability and readiness to act together in crisis situations," — added the head of the Ministry of Defense.
According to Shmyhal, Ukraine will continue to contribute to common security through joint exercises, innovative partnerships, and cooperation in the defense industry. In return, Kyiv is counting on access to European technologies and production facilities to create joint defense projects.
"I am grateful to Norway for hosting the meeting, to the UK for its leadership, and to all JEF participants for their continued support. Together we strengthen Europe's security and protect peace for future generations," — Denys Shmyhal summed up.
JEF (Joint Expeditionary Force) — It is a defense alliance of ten northern European countries, led by the United Kingdom.
Ukraine's status as an "enhanced partner" means that cooperation with the JEF is moving to a new level. This allows Kyiv to participate in joint military exercises, exchange intelligence, and coordinate actions in the field of defense and security. This format also strengthens Ukraine's ties with the countries of Northern Europe and brings it closer to the region's collective security system.
JEF was created to respond quickly to crisis situations, in particular in the Baltic and North Seas, the Arctic and the North Atlantic. The Alliance is not part of NATO, but operates in close cooperation with it, ensuring rapid and flexible military action. Ukraine's new status in JEF indicates the growth of trust on the part of the participants of this association and is another step towards integration into the European defense system.
