Leaders of the Nordic and Baltic countries as well as Poland will begin their two-day summit in Sweden on Wednesday. They are expected to discuss European security and support for Ukraine in the run-up to US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration in January.

The Nordic-Baltic Summit will begin at Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's official country residence in a suburb of the capital, Stockholm.

The discussions have been held mainly at the foreign minister level annually for about 30 years. But according to the Swedish government, this year's summit will be attended by the heads of government from participating nations, with Poland's prime minister also invited.

The summit will bring together leaders of nine countries, including six that border Russia.

The agenda is expected to focus on the security of Europe, including the Baltic Sea region facing Russia. The participants are also likely to discuss how to bolster assistance for Ukraine amid Russia's invasion.

Trump has criticized NATO, saying that many of its members rely on the United States for defense. He has suggested the US would not help protect member states even if they come under attack, unless they shoulder the costs accordingly.

Trump has also shown reservations about continuing support for Ukraine.