Kiev’s European integration and post-war recovery were discussed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and visiting Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin.
Zelensky thanked the Finnish government for providing financial, defence, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, as well as imposing sanctions on Russia, according to the Xinhua news agency.
He also emphasised the significance of foreign high-ranking officials visiting Ukraine’s capital.
“These are very important direct signals of support, first of all for the Ukrainian people, our people, who see that they are not left alone with today’s ordeals,” Zelensky said.
Finland’s support for Ukraine’s future membership in the European Union (EU) is critical, according to the President, who added that Kiev expects the EU to make a decision on Ukraine’s membership prospects soon.
The Ukrainian leader also invited Finland to help his country recover from the war by patronising a region, city, or industry.
Marin, for her part, stated that given their historical experience, her country and people today understand Ukrainians very well.
“The heroic spirit of the Ukrainian people, who are fighting for their freedom and for the whole of Europe, is admirable,” Marin said.
The Prime Minister of Finnish arrived in Kiev earlier in the day for her first visit to Ukraine.