By KYIV. Dec 13 (Interfax-Ukraine) – President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting in Oslo with President of Finland Sauli Niinistö, Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson, Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen and Prime Minister of Iceland Katrín Jakobsdóttir.
According to the Ukrainian head of state’s press service, during a meeting with Niinistö, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the defense assistance packages, for Finland’s willingness to increase the production of artillery shells for the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as well as for the shelter of Ukrainian refugees and “the warm attitude towards our people.”
“Thank you very much, Mr. President, your team, the government of Finland, the Finnish people for your support,” Zelenskyy said.
It is noted that Zelenskyy and the President of Finland coordinated their positions on the eve of the European Council meeting in Brussels, and also noted the importance of the decision to begin negotiations on Ukraine’s membership in the EU.
In addition, the heads of state discussed global political challenges and efforts that are necessary to consolidate the international community.
Zelenskyy discussed Ukraine’s progress in implementing the recommendations of the European Commission with the Prime Minister of Sweden, and also coordinated positions on the eve of the EU meeting.
“Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted the importance of maintaining the unity of the EU in matters of approving financial assistance to Ukraine and starting negotiations on the future membership of our state in the European Union,” according to the press release.
In addition, Zelenskyy thanked Sweden for financial, humanitarian and military assistance to Ukraine, for strengthening defense capabilities and strengthening Ukrainian air defense, as well as for “active participation in the development of the aviation coalition.”
With the Prime Minister of Denmark, the Ukrainian head of state discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between countries in the field of defense, and also thanked Denmark for preparing an assistance package worth more than EUR 1 billion.
“Separately, the President of Ukraine noted the leadership and significant contribution of Denmark to the creation and successful functioning of the international fighter coalition. The leaders discussed the importance of consolidation and unity of the EU on the eve of the European Council meeting,” according to the statement.
During a meeting with Prime Minister Jakobsdóttir, Zelenskyy discussed the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula, Iceland’s readiness to join the implementation of the energy security clause, as well as challenges for Ukrainian education associated with Russian aggression and the provision of bomb shelters for schools.
“The president noted the importance of the work of the Icelandic side in returning to their homeland Ukrainian children illegally taken by the Russian occupiers,” according to the statement.
Zelenskyy thanked the Icelandic people for their solidarity with Ukraine, as well as for the implementation of previous agreements and the transfer of a mobile hospital by Iceland, for their willingness to provide long-term economic support to Ukraine and participate in mine clearance.
In addition, the president noted Iceland’s active support for Ukraine’s initiatives at the international stage.
