Europe must preserve its unity and continue to put pressure on the President of Russia so that he respects Europe, international law and the freedom of all free nations. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a conversation with media representatives after the Ukraine – Northern Europe Summit in Oslo.
He noted that the essence of the free world is to take care of our community, countries and people's interests.
“We’re protecting our way of life from a completely different, opposing system – one where only the interests of a single, irrational person matter, the one with all the power in Russia. If he wants, he starts wars. If he dreams of an empire, hundreds of thousands of lives are lost to his delusions. We must keep our pressure on him and his system so that he feels the losses and realizes he must respect Europe, international law, and our freedom – the freedom of all free nations,” the Head of State emphasized.
The President expressed gratitude to every leader and every country of Northern Europe for their unwavering support for Ukraine in times of war.
“Jonas, Prime Minister, thank you for Norway’s leadership in supporting Ukraine – in defense, finances, and politics. Special thanks for the air defense support. New air defense systems are great news for all of us, our families, our children. Thank you very much!" Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
He also thanked President of Finland Sauli Niinistö for the 21st package of defense aid for Ukrainian servicemen and for doubling the production of artillery ammunition in Finland.
“This support is crucial not just for our freedom but also for other European nations sharing a border with Russia who are understanding what the threat is. Thank you!” the Head of State stressed.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen, the President of Ukraine highlighted her country's patronage over the restoration of Mykolaiv and the region.
“I’m grateful for creating the Ukraine Support Fund and leading the Aviation Coalition initiative. And thanks for yet another huge package of aid,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The Head of State expressed gratitude to Prime Minister of Iceland Katrín Jakobsdóttir for her principled stance on bringing Russia to justice for aggression and for the establishment of the Registry of Damages during Iceland's presidency in the Council of Europe.
“Prime Minister of Sweden, thank you for 14 packages of defense aid. For Archers, ІRIS-T, powerful CV-90s. We value your active support for Ukraine at the European institutional level. And I believe the day will come when Sweden’s voice in the Alliance will strongly support our NATO membership,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.
“Thank you all for your support! I’m confident that as long as we’re united and as long as Europe cares about unity, Russia will not break the freedom of our peoples,” the President added.
The Norwegian Prime Minister noted that today the Scandinavian countries have given powerful signals of support to Ukraine, which is fighting for its freedom.
"We want our military assistance to contribute to Ukraine's defense, especially now that missiles are being fired. And we will continue to provide this robust support. We also support your Peace Formula," said Jonas Gahr Støre.
Mette Frederiksen emphasized that Denmark cooperates with partner countries for the sake of long-term support for Ukraine.
She noted that her country plans to provide Ukraine with financial support and F-16 aircraft.
The Prime Minister of Sweden noted that his government plans to approve a winter package for Ukraine's civilian sector. Ulf Kristersson also emphasized his support for Ukraine's membership in the European Union.
Finnish President Sauli Niinistö emphasized that his country is preparing a new defense assistance package for Ukraine. In addition, according to him, Finland is doubling its industrial arms production.
"Times have changed. We are no longer in Europe, which always lives in peace and security. When circumstances change, we need to learn to adapt and change our mindset," said Sauli Niinistö.
Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir noted that Iceland provides mainly humanitarian, economic and political support to Ukraine, and this assistance will continue.
According to her, assistance to Ukraine for 2024 and long-term support for the following years are planned. Iceland also takes part in efforts to bring Russia to justice and supports Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
