Today, 23 August, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, who arrived in Kyiv, the Ukrainian presidential office has said.
"Mr Prime Minister, I thank you for Finland's constant practical assistance to Ukraine: military, humanitarian, and sanctions. For the solidarity of your country in the struggle for our freedom and independence," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The president also noted that Petteri Orpo would take part in the third summit of the Crimea Platform, which confirms that Finland will continue to be a reliable defender of normal life in Europe and Ukraine.
"Today, the prime minister informed me that a new, 18th defence support package will be approved in the coming days. We really need all this," Zelenskyy said.
The parties discussed Ukraine's priorities that will be reflected in the next aid packages.
"I am confident that together we can do very useful things in the defence industry. We are preparing the first Defence Industries Forum here in Ukraine for autumn, so that our partners can see the capabilities of our country, our society, and how we are developing our capabilities. So that we can attract additional potential of our partners. Together, we will make the world safer. I am confident that Finland's participation in the Forum will be productive, and we are interested in establishing direct cooperation between our specialist enterprises," the president stressed.
According to him, Finland also substantially supports global efforts to implement the Formula for Peace, and today Orpo assured him that Finland was prepared to act as a co-leader in the implementation of a number of its points.
Finland also supports Ukraine on its path to the European Union and NATO. Zelenskyy invited Finland to start negotiations on a bilateral document on security guarantees for Ukraine.
"Finland has already joined the Group of Seven declaration, and now is the time for such bilateral work. I am confident that it will also be concrete and productive," Zelenskyy said.
For his part, Orpo stressed that Finland stands in solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. Finland is one of the largest donors and is preparing to provide its 18th defence support package, which will include ammunition and weapons. Finland supports Ukraine's membership in the EU and NATO and is ready to contribute to the post-war reconstruction of our country.