Zelenskyy spoke at the Nordic Council — main statements

On Tuesday, October 29, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke at the 76th session of the Nordic Council in Iceland. The Head of State thanked the countries of the region for their strong support in the fight against Russian aggression and emphasized unity.

This was reported by the press service of the Office of the President.

What Zelenskyy said

In his speech, Zelenskyy called on partners to continue assisting Ukraine, in particular in the field of armaments, sanctions against Russia, and countering its shadow fleet, which finances the war.

"Effective sanctions against Russia, stopping the Russian shadow tanker fleet that finances Putin's aggression, and providing all the necessary weapons to our soldiers are all tools that bring real peace closer. I ask you to continue building of all the necessary joint and national production that ensures freedom. Air defense systems, weapons, microchips — all of this is important," the President said.

The Ukrainian leader also emphasized the importance of returning Ukrainian children abducted by Russia and the need to ensure justice for the affected Ukrainians.

"We are talking about tens of thousands of children abducted by Russia from the occupied territories of Ukraine. We know where some of them are, in what conditions and how they are being taught to forget Ukraine, even by lying, saying that they have no families. But we still do not know where the most of them are now," the Head of State added.

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine strives for peace and stability in Europe and the Euro-Atlantic region, noting that unity is key to ensuring long-lasting peace.

"We must expand our cooperation with Europe and the Euro-Atlantic region. Unity is crucial. Unity preserves peace in Europe. And that is why Ukraine strives to be part of this unity. Our nation deserves to join the EU and NATO, and I am grateful to your countries for their support on this path to geopolitical certainty," the President said.

The Head of State emphasized that time plays an important role in decision-making of partners.

"And please remember: during wartime, every decision made by a partner country of the one being attacked is, first and foremost, a decision about time. Time, how long the war will last. How long injustice will last. How long there will be no real, long-lasting peace," Zelenskyy concluded.

Previously, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the President of Iceland Halla Tómasdóttir. The parties discussed and agreed on important issues for Ukraine during the war.

The Head of State also had a telephone conversation with the President of the Republic of Korea Yoon Suk Yeol. The leaders discussed Russia's involvement of North Korean soldiers in the war and countermeasures in response to the escalation.