Prime Minister Orpo meets with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Helsinki

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Prime Minister’s official residence, Kesäranta, on Wednesday 19 March. Their discussions took place at a critical moment: tomorrow, the leaders of the EU Member States will meet in Brussels for the March European Council, where Ukraine will be one of the main topics on the agenda. Prime Minister Orpo will represent Finland at the meeting.

“I told President Zelenskyy that Ukraine has Finland’s unwavering support for as long as necessary. I asked him how Finland, the EU and the coalition of the willing can help Ukraine in the best possible way, right now and in the future,” Prime Minister Orpo said.

“There can be no discussions on Ukraine without Ukraine, or on Europe without Europe. We need to step up and speed up our assistance to Ukraine so that it will be in a good position to start peace talks when the time comes,” said Prime Minister Orpo.

“Ukraine’s place is in the EU. Finland supports Ukraine on its path to EU membership,” said Prime Minister Orpo.

Finland has provided total of EUR 3.7 billion in support to Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale war of aggression. In addition to defence materiel, Finland has provided support through development cooperation, humanitarian aid and material assistance.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife Olena Zelenska were hosted on their official visit to Finland by President of the Republic Alexander Stubb and his wife Suzanne Innes-Stubb.