Speeches

Only together can we achieve peace. And only if we respond strongly to every question this war poses.

Above all, thank you for being with Ukraine and in Ukraine, and for the fact that all of this – our Fifth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen – is taking place, and it is important that it is taking place, despite everything, despite the air raid alerts and threats.

Finland provides Ukraine with tangible defense, humanitarian, and political support. Together with other European countries, Finland is also an active participant in the Coalition of the Willing and will be one of the guarantors of security for Ukraine, for the eastern flank, and for all of Europe once this war ends.

Since 1 a.m., our military tracked the movement of Russian drones toward the Polish border. And this movement was not an accident or a mistake – it was deliberate.

Ever since this February, the Russians have been rejecting all ceasefire proposals. For weeks, Russia has been unable – and unwilling – to give any concrete response to the United States on a leaders’ meeting format. Russia invests in war, and solely in war. The response must be strength.

Today, I held a Staff meeting – focused primarily on technological issues. The stock of air defense systems and missiles for them, the production schedule, the delivery schedule. The protection of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure – above all, the energy sector.

That is why it is important that the statements of leaders, states, and institutions be backed by strong actions – sanctions against Russia, against individuals associated with Russia, tough tariffs and other restrictions on trade with Russia. Their losses must be felt. That is what is truly convincing. And also – our long-range capabilities.

Our active diplomatic week continues – we are working at all levels.

Today, the Prime Minister of Slovakia is in Ukraine, and we have had a substantive discussion. It is important that we have this dialogue.

The participation of our European friends in this event, in the work of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Ukraine, clearly demonstrates how interconnected these matters are: our Ukraine’s domestic policy and our relations with the European Union.