UWC President urges Northern Europe to allocate 1 percent of GDP for Ukraine aid

Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) President Paul Grod called on four Northern European countries to increase their support for Ukraine to 1 percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) in economic output.

“Northern European countries, on a per capita basis, have been among the largest contributors to Ukraine’s defense. But we need them to enhance their support even more,” Grod said in an interview with the Finnish publication Satakieli.

He stressed the increased support would bolster Ukraine’s position at a time when calls for concession of occupied territory in exchange for security guarantees are becoming more frequent in the West.

Grod also urged the Nordic countries – Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark to enhance their assistance for displaced Ukrainians who’ve fled the war, particularly in education. 

“We need to create an environment where Ukrainians can maintain their national identity,” he emphasized, noting that this includes the development of Ukrainian schools, cultural centers, churches, and community clubs.

For more on the role of the Ukrainian diaspora in supporting Ukraine and the challenges faced by Ukrainians worldwide, read the full interview.

The UWC President went on an 10-day official visit to northern Europe starting on Nov. 15. During his visit, he addressed the Foreign Policy Committee of the Danish Parliament, met with Denmark’s Defense Minister, and held discussions with members of parliament from Norway, Sweden, and Finland.

The mission aimed to strengthen support for Ukraine, address urgent issues faced by Ukrainian refugees, and highlight critical humanitarian and historical matters.