Official Visit of the President of Ukraine and the First Lady to Finland, Official Visit of the President of Ukraine to Norway
Path to Peace, Continued Defense Support, and Strengthening Air Defense: President of Ukraine Meets with President of Finland
In Helsinki, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of Finland Alexander Stubb.
The Ukrainian President thanked Finland for its support during Russia’s full-scale aggression and emphasized the importance of European unity in maintaining pressure on Russia to achieve a just and lasting peace.
"Our nations know what it truly means to be neighbors with Russia. And only when we all stand together in unity – when we in Europe cooperate, help one another, and work with partners around the world – can we ensure stability and a normal, safe life for our people, a life without war," said President Zelenskyy.
One of the main topics of discussion was the continuation of defense support for Ukraine and the strengthening of air defense. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that, despite the Russian dictator’s claims about halting attacks on Ukraine’s energy facilities, Russia targeted civilian infrastructure last night.
"This is exactly why we need defense support, we need support for our air defense, and we need pressure on Russia to ensure security and save lives of our people. I thank Finland for this support and for the new defense package announced earlier," he stated.
The leaders also discussed investments in Ukrainian weapons production. The Head of State thanked Finland for its decision to allocate €660 million for the procurement of defense materiel from Finnish companies to support Ukraine’s Defense Forces.
The meeting also highlighted Finland’s leadership in creating the Civil Protection Shelter Coalition, which aims to construct shelters and involve as many countries as possible in the initiative. Today, ministers from both countries will sign a document launching the coalition.
Additionally, the parties discussed support for Ukraine on its path toward EU and NATO membership. Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed the critical importance of security guarantees for Ukraine.
"I am grateful, Mr. President, for your willingness to work with us on security guarantees. Together with our European partners, we are discussing specific, vital steps on the ground, as well as security guarantees in the sky and at sea that can help safeguard peace," he added.
Alexander Stubb reaffirmed that Ukraine can rely on Finland’s continued assistance.
"Finland will continue to provide strong support for Ukraine. We are in this together. We understand what you are going through. And we will stand with you for as long as it takes," concluded President Stubb.
President of Ukraine Met with Speaker and Leaders of Political Groups of the Finnish Parliament
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Speaker of the Parliament of Finland Jussi Halla-aho, leaders of political groups, and heads of parliamentary committees in Helsinki.
The Head of State thanked the Finnish Parliament for its unwavering support of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in the fight against Russian aggression.
“Thank you for supporting Ukraine from the very beginning of the full-scale war, we count on you. We have very strong relations,” the President said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy outlined the steps toward a just and sustainable peace. Ukraine, together with its partners, is developing a plan to achieve peace and provide reliable security guarantees for our state.
In addition, the parties discussed support for Ukraine on its path to EU and NATO membership.
The Head of State also visited the Plenary Hall and observed the aftermath of the Soviet bomb attack on the Finnish Parliament House during the Winter War in 1939.
President of Ukraine and Prime Minister of Finland Discussed Defense Support for Ukraine
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo.
The Ukrainian leader thanked Finland for its support of Ukraine, emphasizing the 28th defense assistance package worth EUR 200 million.
The President provided updates on the efforts to bring closer a just and lasting peace, in particular, he spoke about the meeting of Ukrainian and American delegations in Jeddah.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Petteri Orpo discussed continued defense support for Ukraine, including the strengthening of air defenses, the supply of artillery systems and shells, and investment in Ukrainian arms production. The Head of State urged Finland to join the procurement of Ukrainian weapons based on the Danish model.
The President expressed hope that the Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation signed by the Ministers of Defense of Ukraine and Finland on March 13 will help strengthen the defense capabilities of both states.
In addition, the parties discussed the involvement of as many countries and international organizations as possible in the Civil Protection Shelter Coalition and Finland's participation in Ukraine's reconstruction.
President of Ukraine and President of Finland Met with Students of Finnish Universities
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of Finland Alexander Stubb met with students and faculty of the University of Helsinki and Tampere University.
The Head of State thanked Finland and the entire Finnish people for their support of Ukraine.
“We are on our way, and we see our flags on your streets. And this is the response to everything. This is the response to Russia, which shows that Ukraine is not alone, but Russia is. It is the aggressor, and today, it stands alone,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.
One of the key topics of the meeting was the efforts of Ukraine and Europe to achieve a just peace.
The President of Ukraine emphasized that Europe must show unity in building a security architecture capable of resisting Russia's aggressive policy.
“Building such a unified defense infrastructure, a unified army, and a very technological one, is a step forward and a step towards the protection of our European way of life,” he said.
The President of Finland stressed that the United States and Europe should strengthen sanctions, use frozen Russian assets, and continue defense support for Ukraine so that Russia realizes that it cannot postpone the ceasefire.
In addition, the parties discussed Finland's participation in the restoration of Ukraine. The Ukrainian leader emphasized that the partner countries and businesses that supported our country during the war should help with reconstruction after it ended.
The President and the First Lady had a separate meeting with Ukrainian students studying at the University of Helsinki and Tampere University and Finnish students learning Ukrainian language and history at these institutions.
“Thank you for your important work – supporting Ukraine, Ukrainians, our language and history. Thank you very much for everything,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.
Presidents of Ukraine and Finland Visit Civil Protection Shelter
In Helsinki, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of Finland Alexander Stubb visited Merihaka, the city’s largest civil protection shelter, built in 2003.
The Ukrainian President familiarized himself with Finland’s legislative framework governing the construction and operation of civil protection shelters.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy was informed that shelters are currently used as parking facilities, sports facilities, restaurants, and shops. In case of emergency, these spaces must be cleared and prepared for their intended purpose within 72 hours.
For example, the Merihaka shelter is currently used as a parking and sports facility. However, in the event of a conflict or emergency, it can be quickly turned into a bomb shelter capable of accommodating 6,000 people.
The construction of mandatory shelters in new buildings is a standard requirement in Finland. There are more than 50,000 such shelters across the country, capable of protecting over 5 million people if needed.
Additionally, in the presence of both Presidents, Herman Smetanin, Ukraine’s Minister of Strategic Industries, and Mari Rantanen, Finland’s Minister of the Interior, signed a Joint Letter of Intent, marking the launch of a Civil Protection Shelter Coalition.
The Meeting Between the President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Norway Begins in Oslo
A meeting between President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre has begun in Oslo.
“We are grateful to Norway, to you, your team, and your Parliament for the great support – military, humanitarian, and energy support – which has been crucial over the past three difficult winters. I am deeply grateful, and we will never forget this. I would like to discuss the situation at the frontline, diplomacy with the United States, and security guarantees,” the President noted.
In addition, the meeting will cover Norway’s participation in the efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace and in the development of a joint European plan.
In particular, the leaders will discuss steps to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities, enhance air defense, supply F-16 aircraft, artillery systems and ammunition, and invest in Ukrainian weapons production.
Increased Defense and Financial Support: President of Ukraine Meets with Prime Minister of Norway
In Oslo, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre.
The President expressed his gratitude to Norway for its significant defense and financial support, assistance to Ukraine’s energy sector, and especially for the recent decision to increase its support for Ukraine to nearly $8 billion this year.
"We have managed to preserve our independence, and now, together with all of Europe, we are working on restoring peace and guaranteeing the security we so vitally need. I hope Norway’s role in this joint effort with all our partners will remain substantial," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
During the meeting, the parties discussed specific measures to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities, including enhancing air defense, providing ammunition for Ukrainian troops, investing in Ukraine’s defense industry, and developing joint production.
"I am confident that Europe now needs a new wave of industrial and technological development – so that the continent has everything necessary for its defense and so that Europe becomes more independent and stronger in global competition," the President stated.
The President also invited Norway to take on a more active role in security coalitions, particularly in air defense and other technological initiatives, as well as in drone production.
Jonas Gahr Støre emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s cooperation with the U.S., European nations, and NATO in achieving a just peace. He also confirmed that Norway will strengthen its defense support for Ukraine.
"The tripling of Norway’s defense support, which was unanimously approved by our parliament, will be immediately transformed into artillery, ammunition, drones, and investments in Ukraine’s domestic production base," the Norwegian Prime Minister stated.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy Meets with President of the Storting and Leaders of Norwegian Parliamentary Parties
In Oslo, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Masud Gharahkhani, President of the Storting, and the leaders of political parties represented in the Norwegian Parliament.
The President expressed gratitude to the Storting for its decision to allocate nearly $8 billion in additional funding for Ukraine this year.
The Head of State emphasized that this support will contribute to achieving a just and durable peace for Ukraine.
"I thank Norway – its government, parliament, and the entire Norwegian people – for supporting Ukraine militarily, providing humanitarian aid, and helping sustain our energy sector during the winter," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The meeting also focused on the consolidation of international support at the parliamentary level and the areas of future cooperation.
President of Ukraine Had an Audience with Crown Prince Regent Haakon of Norway
In Oslo, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had an audience with Crown Prince Regent Haakon of Norway.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit also took part in the meeting.
The President expressed gratitude to Norway for its defense and humanitarian support for Ukraine and acknowledged Norway’s efforts in developing a European plan for achieving a just peace and reliable security guarantees.
President Zelenskyy and Crown Prince Regent Haakon discussed strengthening cultural ties between the two countries.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also highlighted Norway’s contributions to the Grain from Ukraine humanitarian initiative and thanked Norway for its readiness to continue support for the initiative.