Zelenskyy thanks Iceland for support for Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Icelandic Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir while travelling from Norway to Canada.

The meeting took place at Keflavík Airport as Zelenskyy was en route to Canada, the Office of the President of Ukraine said, according to European Pravda.

During the meeting, Zelenskyy thanked Iceland for its continued support for Ukraine and its active participation in the Ukraine–Nordic-Baltic (NB8) format.

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, Iceland has allocated $133 million in defence and humanitarian assistance to Kyiv, as well as more than $24 million to the PURL programme.

“The President informed [the Icelandic side] about Ukraine’s needs in preparation for winter, with strengthening Ukrainian air defence remaining the top priority. We also discussed energy security in general and energy cooperation between Ukraine and Iceland. Ukraine expects further contributions from Iceland to the Energy Support Fund,” the communiqué said.

Funding already provided by Iceland is being used to purchase a cogeneration unit, power transformers and other energy equipment.

The two sides also discussed technological cooperation, with Zelenskyy offering to share Ukraine’s expertise in areas where the country has significant experience.

Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska were in Norway on September 8-9. The main purpose of their visit was to attend the funeral of King Harald V, which was attended by numerous foreign dignitaries.

During the visit, Zelenskyy also held a series of meetings, including with defence companies to discuss the Freyja anti-ballistic programme.

Norwegian officials also reported that Zelenskyy’s aircraft had been delayed while departing for Norway due to drones in Moldovan airspace.

By Vugar Khalilov