Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has unexpectedly visited Finland to participate in the Nordic-Ukrainian Summit of Leaders and a series of bilateral meetings.

The office of the Finnish President posted an announcement about Zelenskyy's visit around noon on May 3. The public broadcaster Yle announced a broadcast from the presidential palace in Helsinki at 12:00. Later it was clarified that the broadcast would start at 13:00.

At 13:00, a joint press conference between Finnish President Sauli Niinistö and Volodymyr Zelenskyy is to take place.

In a statement from the office of the Finnish President, they note that they will discuss support for Ukraine in defense against Russian aggression, bilateral relations, and the current geopolitical situation.

Prime Minister Sanna Marin and Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto will also be at the working lunch. Later, Zelenskyy will meet with Speaker of Parliament Petteri Orpo – the likely next Prime Minister of Finland.

After the lunch, the presidents will participate in the Nordic-Ukrainian Summit of Leaders, where Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson, Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen, and Prime Minister of Iceland Katrín Jakobsdóttir will join them.

The summit will address the current military situation, support for Ukraine by northern allies, prospects for European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine, and the implementation of the Ukrainian initiative to ensure a just peace (presumably referring to the so-called "peace formula" proposed by Kyiv). In addition, Zelenskyy will have bilateral meetings with leaders of Northern European countries.

After the summit, there will also be a joint press conference of the leaders.

Previously, the Finnish President visited Kyiv in January 2023 (Ukr).