Zelensky arrives on unannounced visit to Norway to take part in Nordic leaders summit
Photo: Office of the President
Following his trip to the United States, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Oslo, the Norwegian capital, for an unannounced visit on Wednesday.
The Ukrainian leader will participate in a summit of leaders from Nordic countries taking place on the same day, Rubryka reports, citing the Norwegian government website and Zelensky's Telegram account.
Zelensky will meet with the Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre, to discuss further support for Ukraine.
"I am pleased to welcome Volodymyr Zelensky to Norway. I hope for constructive talks. Norway will continue to support Ukraine in its struggle for self-defense," said the Norwegian prime minister. "We provide targeted, long-term support to help Ukraine in its fight for freedom and democracy. Ukraine's efforts are also crucial for ensuring freedom and security here in Norway."
Following the negotiations, the politicians will hold a joint press conference.
Zelensky will also participate in the summit of leaders from northern countries, where the main topics will be a discussion of collaborative efforts in defense and security and further support for Ukraine.
In turn, Zelensky announced that together with the leaders of Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, and Sweden, they would discuss strengthening defense, political and economic cooperation, and a shared future in Europe.
"Our goal is security and a just, strong peace on the continent," said the Ukrainian president.
Zelensky added that he would conduct bilateral negotiations with participants of the summit.
"I will meet with His Majesty King Harald V, visit the Storting, and talk to Norwegian politicians and entrepreneurs. I will personally thank Norway for all the timely and principled support it has provided to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion," said Zelensky.
The day before, on December 12, Zelensky met and held talks with the White House leader, Joe Biden.
Following closed negotiations, Biden urged Congress not to give the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin a "gift" and to pass aid to Ukraine before Congress goes on recess.
Biden also stressed that there was bipartisan support for Ukraine in Congress, so he was ready to compromise on the issue of border funding.
The American president said the US wanted Ukraine not only to defend itself but also to win the war against Russia. Biden also believes that NATO is in Ukraine's future, and it will become a NATO member only when the United States is confident that Ukraine is winning the war.
