President Alexander Stubb on Thursday reiterated to continue support for Ukraine and increase the pressure on Russia and its war economy.
“We had a long meeting with my friend Zelenskyy. We discussed the peace process and cooperation between Finland and Ukraine,” Stubb wrote in a post on his social media platform X after a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv.
He, however, said that unfortunately, process towards peace has not progressed as the last few days have shown, Russia is not coming to the negotiating table.
“Our strategy will continue to have two tracks: 1. We will continue to support Ukraine 2. Increase the pressure on Russia and its war economy,” wrote the President.
Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to Finland for its all-out cooperation from the very beginning of the war.
“I am grateful to Finland for supporting all our sanctions work. We expect the 19th package of EU sanctions. I am also grateful for the support of our path to the EU and the opening of clusters,” Zelenskyy wrote in a post on his social media platform X after the meeting.
He said that they held a substantive discussion on a wide range of issues and significant attention was paid to the attack the Russians carried out against Poland on Wednesday.
“A separate and essential matter is shelters. In Ukraine, we value Finland’s participation in such initiatives as the Shelter Coalition. This helps us not only at the state level but also at the community level. It is important to intensify the work of these coalitions, and all cooperation that supports our country, communities, and every person,” the Ukrainian President added.
News agency Xinhua, quoting Zelensky's press service reported that the two leaders discussed security and humanitarian issues, as well as more sanctions on Russia. They also talked about strengthening Ukraine's air defense capabilities.
"Ukraine is ready to share experience and expand production. Ukraine offers all European neighboring countries — our neighbors and Russia's neighbors — a joint program for financing, producing and developing interceptor drones," Zelensky said.
First Lady Suzanne Innes-Stubb also visited Ukraine with the President and attended a summit hosted by Olena Zelenska, the First Lady of Ukraine, on the role of education in promoting peace, said the President Office in a press release.
The annual Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, hosted by Zelenska was participated by spouses of world leaders and experts from various fields to address global challenges.
- Stubb
- Visits
- Kyiv
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
