President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked Finland for its continued support of Ukraine and called for more weapons

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked Finland for its continued support of Ukraine and called for more weapons during his surprise visit to Finland today, on May 3, reports Yle News.

”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 at a press conference.

He noted how crucial fighter jets donation would be for Ukraine. ”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.

Finnish president Sauli Niinistö said the conversation about fighter jets has centred around F-16.

An issue of donating Finnish older Hornet jets to Ukraine 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.

After the press conference, Zelensky had a working lunch with outgoing Prime Minister Marin and Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto (Green). He also met with Prime Minister-designate Petteri Orpo (NCP).

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.

Image: Yle