Stubb condemns Russian attacks on Ukraine, holds phone talk with Zelenskyy

President Alexander Stubb on Thursday condemned the Russian attacks on Ukraine and held a telephone conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy ahead of the NATO summit.

“Had a good call with Zelenskyy of Ukraine before the NATO summit. Finland condemns Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian civilian targets last night. Ukraine is on top on the battlefield but needs all our support to bolster its air defense,” Stubb wrote in a post on his social media platform X.

He also supported Ukraine’s call for a ceasefire and a just and lasting peace.

“I look forward to discuss matters further with allies and partners next week in Ankara,” Stubb added.

Zelenskyy said it is important that the world does not remain silent about today’s (Thursday) utterly cynical Russian attack against Ukrainian people.

“Thank you for your words of condolence and your willingness to help us. Defending against ballistic missiles is impossible without a sufficient number of missiles for Patriot systems. This is our greatest priority right now. We discussed which partners can help and how exactly. We will work on this,” Zelenskyy wrote in a post on his X after the telephone conversation.

"Alex noted the successes of our warriors on the front. Everyone can see how the situation is shifting in Ukraine’s favor and how effective the long-range sanctions are. This is the right kind of pressure on Russia. We are looking for formats to reinvigorate diplomacy. We exchanged views on ideas that could help and coordinated our next steps,” he added.

He also said that they discussed bilateral defense cooperation.

“We are preparing to conclude important agreements in the near future. Thank you, Alex. Thank you, Finland!” the Ukrainian President wrote.

At least 21 people were killed and dozens injured after a relentless 11-hour Russian missile and drone barrage battered Ukraine's capital overnight into Thursday.