President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin who is on a visit to Ukraine.
"A true friend of Ukraine, a defender of a free Europe, Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin is in Kyiv today. First of all, I would like to thank Mrs. Prime Minister for honoring the memory of the defenders who gave their lives for Ukraine and the memory of our Hero Dmytro Kotsiubailo, "Da Vinci", whom Ukraine bid final farewell today," the President said during a meeting with media representatives following the negotiations with the Prime Minister of Finland in Kyiv.
The Head of State also noted that before the meeting with him, Sanna Marin had visited wounded Ukrainian soldiers undergoing treatment in a Kyiv hospital.
"It is very important that we equally respect the heroism of our warriors who defend freedom in our country and around the world at the cost of their lives," the President of Ukraine said.
The key topics of the leaders' talks in Kyiv were defense and security.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Finland for the defense support packages provided to our country, as well as for its effective participation in the tank coalition.
"I am sure we will further strengthen this area of our cooperation for the sake of both our nations, our independence and sovereignty – of Ukraine, Finland and our European neighbors," he said.
The parties also discussed the issue of increasing sanction pressure on the Russian Federation.
"It is important to jointly prevent the terrorist state from evading the EU sanctions through trade with third countries. First of all, it concerns the goods that are important for the military-industrial complex of the terrorist state and its other industries that directly support and sponsor the war and Russian aggression," the President emphasized.
He thanked Finland for its assistance to Ukraine after the missile attacks on the Ukrainian energy sector, including the transfer of equipment that is really important for people.
The Head of State also emphasized the importance of putting pressure on all legal entities and individuals of the terrorist state involved in the attack on Ukraine's energy system, in the missile program, as well as on entities of other states that help Russia to carry out missile terror.
"We must come to the point where global sanctions must be imposed and completely block any opportunities to restore the missile potential of the Russian Federation, to receive new drones, new technologies, and so on," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The talks in Kyiv also focused on bringing the terrorist state to justice.
"I thank Finland for joining the core group on the establishment of a special tribunal for Russia's aggression against Ukraine and condemning this aggression. I also thank you for your very practical contribution to the investigation of Russia's war crimes in Ukraine, for supporting the efforts of the International Criminal Court and our efforts in the European Court of Human Rights. Together, we must ensure justice for all those who suffered from the aggression and Russian occupation, and punish the aggressor and every Russian murderer for what they have done," the President of Ukraine said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Sanna Marin also discussed in detail the issues of recovery of our country after the victory.
"For us today, it is important not only to rebuild entire industries, but also to help our people. We are talking about schools, universities, and homes for Ukrainians. And I am grateful that Mrs. Prime Minister agreed to visit one of the schools after our meeting in Irpin," the Head of State noted.
In addition, as the President emphasized, Ukraine appreciates Finland's support for international initiatives, in particular the humanitarian program Grain from Ukraine.
"And, of course, I am grateful for the willingness to work together with us on the implementation of the points of the Ukrainian Peace Formula. This issue was also raised today. In this context, we discussed countering the ecocide organized by the Russian Federation. Finland is ready for coordination with other partners in the fulfillment of this item of the formula," the Head of State said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also thanked Finland for supporting Ukraine on its path to full membership in the European Union and NATO.
The President emphasized that Finland's new defense package for Ukraine is something that strengthens us on the battlefield - the field of our victory.
For her part, Sanna Marin noted that Finland has recently provided Ukraine with the 14th defense assistance package, which includes heavy weapons. She emphasized that her country would continue to support Ukraine.
Also, according to her, Finland has allocated a support package for the education sector, and is helping with energy equipment.
Sanna Marin noted that Finland joined the group of countries that aim to ensure Russia's accountability for the crime of aggression against Ukraine and supports the establishment of an international center in The Hague to prosecute and convict crimes of aggression.
"We support President Zelenskyy's Peace Formula and want this plan to start working. It is only lasting peace that can give our family of European countries, the Euro-Atlantic family, calm and prosperity. We want Ukraine to join NATO as one of the allies," said Sanna Marin.
According to her, Finland also supports the fight against corruption in Ukraine so that it can move towards European integration and is ready to provide all necessary assistance.
"I am very pleased to meet with Mr. President Zelenskyy in person today in Kyiv. You are a symbol of courage, bravery and the prospect of a better future for Europe," the Finnish Prime Minister summarized.
A number of documents were signed during Sanna Marin's visit to Ukraine. In particular, Deputy Prime Minister for Reconstruction of Ukraine - Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine Oleksandr Kubrakov and Minister of the Environment and Climate Change of the Republic of Finland Maria Ohisalo signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the governments of Ukraine and Finland.
Another Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine Ruslan Strilets and Maria Ohisalo.
