» Zelensky arrives in Finland for official visit to discuss security and strengthen ties

President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska arrived in Finland for an official visit on March 18. The plane carrying the couple landed at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport in the afternoon.

The visit was organized by Finnish President Alexander Stubb and his wife, Suzanne Innes-Stubb. The meeting will begin with a welcome ceremony in the courtyard of the Presidential Palace in Helsinki, according to a statement from the Finnish president’s office.

“Europe should be at the table, and everything that concerns Europe’s security should be decided together with Europe,” Zelensky wrote on Telegram, announcing the visit.

Zelensky will discuss Finland’s support for Ukraine and steps to end the Russian war. In addition to Zelensky and Stubb, Finnish Finance Minister Riikka Purra, Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen, and Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen will participate in the discussions.

The presidents are also expected to hold a joint press conference.

The talks will continue afterward, involving local defense company representatives to discuss potential investments in Ukraine’s defense industry and further military support.

During the visit to Finland, Zelensky also plans to meet with Finnish Parliament Speaker Jussi Halla-Aho and Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.

On March 19, Zelensky will attend an event at the University of Helsinki, where Stubb will deliver a speech.

Ukraine’s First Lady will hold a series of meetings focused on educational cooperation, including the expansion of the Coalition of Ukrainian Studies and the security of educational space, the construction of school shelters, and the exchange of experience in the school catering system.

Olena Zelenska will also meet with representatives of the business and cultural community, as well as philanthropists.

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Finland has provided Ukraine with 2.5 billion euros ($2.6 billion) in defense aid.

Finland announced its 28th military aid package for Ukraine, valued at approximately 200 million euros ($217.4 million)on March 13.

‘Conditions for Ukraine’s surrender’ — Why Putin’s demands for ceasefire make no sense

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s conditions for a ceasefire are unrealistic and tantamount to demanding that Ukraine disarm itself and surrender, analysts say. Putin said on March 13 that Russia was ready to agree to the U.S.-backed 30-day-long ceasefire in Ukraine but then followed by listing a…