New aid package, air defense support: Zelenskyy and Finland PM held talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: president.gov.ua)
Finland will provide $300 million in defense support to Ukraine. The two sides also discussed strengthening air defense capabilities, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says.
Talks on military aid
According to the president, during his meeting with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, they discussed how the new aid package will be used. The funds will primarily go toward strengthening Ukraine's air defenses.
"We greatly appreciate this, and we discussed the priority areas of our defense—first and foremost, air defense—that can be strengthened with this package," Zelenskyy said.
Defense partnership, EU integration
The head of state proposed strengthening bilateral cooperation, including signing a security agreement under the Drone Deal framework.
"Ukraine is ready to share its expertise and support those who have supported us from the very beginning of the full-scale invasion," Zelenskyy emphasized.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr #Zelenskyy meets #Finland's Prime Minister Petteri #Orpo pic.twitter.com/nuKQh9ttU2
— RBC-Ukraine (@NewsUkraineRBC) May 3, 2026
The politicians also addressed Ukraine's European integration. There is currently a strong opportunity to open negotiation clusters, and Ukraine fully deserves to do so.
Other statements by Zelenskyy
Recently, the Ukrainian leader has been actively preparing a series of strategic, diplomatic, and personnel decisions.
In particular, Western media reported that Ukraine is developing a strategy to negotiate with Russia without the involvement of the United States, considering alternative formats and countries to sustain dialogue.
In addition, the president announced upcoming personnel changes in the government and state institutions, expected as early as next week.
Zelenskyy also previously outlined significant losses in Russia's oil export infrastructure, noting that Ukrainian long-range strikes and sanctions have sharply reduced the Russian energy exports.
