Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked Finland for its continued and unwavering support of Ukraine since Russia's invasion in February last year.
Zelensky made his comment during a surprise visit to the Finnish capital at the invitation of Finnish President Sauli Niinistö to attend a summit of Nordic Prime Ministers.
At a bilateral meeting before the summit, the two leaders discussed Ukraine’s defensive struggle against Russia, Finland’s support for the war-town country, as well as the current geopolitical situation.
Speaking at a press conference following the meeting, Zelensky said his nation's fight is also helping to keep Finland safe.
"When we are strengthening our lines of defence, when we are restoring our borders, we are strengthening the borders of all our partners, including of course Finland. The old capital of the aggressor state is within several hundred kilometers from here, from Helsinki, but due to our joint security efforts, your historic winter fight for freedom and our brave fight now, the aggressor will never make its way to Helsinki," Zelensky said.
He also thanked Finland for its continued support, noting in particular the steady flow of military aid packages from Helsinki to Kyiv since the Kremlin's full-scale invasion last year.
"Finland consistently supports our freedom and territorial integrity and our sovereignty and all the principles of international law in which peaceful coexistence between nations depends," Zelensky said.
Concluding his opening statement before taking questions from the media, the Ukrainian President also noted that Finland has supported his country since the very beginning of the invasion.
"We appreciate that Finland was one of the first who responded to our requests for help when we had massive missile strikes by Russian terrorists directed against our country's energy infrastructure, schools, universities," Zelensky said, adding his additional thanks for Finland's help in restoring Ukraine's energy network.
Zelensky: Ukraine needs more weapons
In response to a question from a journalist about the possibility of Western nations supplying fighter jets to Ukraine, Zelensky noted how crucial such a donation would be for the Ukrainian war effort.
"We need them, really need them," Zelensky said, especially he added as his country is preparing a counter-offensive against the Russian invasion.
"This is why I am sure we will soon have aircraft. Because we will soon conduct an offensive, and after it I am sure we will be given planes. I would rather it was the other way round, as it would be easier for us, but it is like it is, and we are grateful for everything," he said.
The same journalist had posed a question to Niinistö about the likelihood of Finland donating its batch of older Hornet jets to Ukraine once they have been decommissioned — an issue that became a hot topic of debate in Finland when outgoing Prime Minister Sanna Marin (SDP) said during a visit to Kyiv earlier this year that the possibility should be considered.
In response to the question, Niinistö said the conversation about fighter jets has centred around F-16s, not Hornets, and European countries have a lot fewer of the older aircraft in use.
"But we like your aircraft, just so you know Mr President," Zelenskiy said with a smile.
"Yes, they are good. And I hope everybody knows it," Niinistö replied.
Zelensky argues for Ukraine joining Nato
During the press conference, Zelensky also reiterated his nation's hopes of joining Nato, noting that Finland became the alliance's 31st member just last month.
"Our goal is to have full membership in the alliance. This is one of the reasons why I am here today. The second reason, or to be honest the priority, is strengthening our army. I don't want to go into details if you don't mind," Zelensky said.
After the press conference, Zelensky's visit continued with a working lunch attended by outgoing Prime Minister Marin and Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto (Green).
He also met with Prime Minister-designate Petteri Orpo (NCP), who told reporters after the meeting he assured the Ukrainian President that Finland's support will continue despite the change of government.
The Nordic-Ukrainian summit, which was the main purpose of Zelensky's surprise visit, was attended by the Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson, Norway's PM Jonas Gahr Støre, PM Mette Frederiksen from Denmark and Icelandic PM Katrín Jakobsdóttir.
The agenda for the meeting included a discussion about Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Nordic support for Ukraine, developments in Ukraine's relations with the EU and Nato, and Ukraine's efforts to find a just peace.
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