President Alexander Stubb: "We will not leave Ukraine alone "

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb visited Kyiv, Ukraine, on Monday 24 February. The visit showed support for Ukraine, which has been fighting against Russia’s illegal war of aggression for three years.

Also present in Kyiv were Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Council António Costa and OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioğlu.

“Today we stand with the Ukrainians in Kyiv. Ukraine is fighting a heroic war for its independence. We will not leave Ukraine alone,” said President Stubb.

In the morning, the leaders honoured the memory of the fallen defenders of Ukraine by laying candles at the memorial on Independence Square in Kyiv alongside President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Later in the day, President Stubb addressed the plenary session of the Support Ukraine Summit.

He pointed out that Finns understand Ukraine’s struggle for freedom and independence. “Ukraine’s cause is ours,” President Stubb said.

On the occasion of the third anniversary of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the leaders of the Nordic and Baltic countries issued a joint statement together with President Zelenskyy. In the statement, the countries stress that a just and lasting peace will be achieved through strength. Ukraine also needs strong security guarantees. Europe needs to show leadership and Europe and Ukraine must take part in any future negotiations.

President Stubb last visited Ukraine in April 2024.