Volodymyr Zelensky entered a high-stakes phase of outreach, seeking support from the Scandinavian bloc as Finland joined NATO. He framed the effort as part of a broader push to defend sovereign lands, insisting that Moscow’s aggression must be opposed and that Ukraine is fighting to reclaim what belongs to it. The remarks were delivered amid heightened tensions with Russia and a backdrop of NATO unity, with Zelensky stressing the importance of allied commitment to arms supplies and political backing as Helsinki and Vilnius weigh their next steps.
His arrival in Helsinki coincided with reports of a suspected drone attack over the Kremlin, intensifying the discussion at a summit where Ukraine pressed for tangible assurances on oil supply, weaponry, and continued NATO accession support ahead of the Alliance’s summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, scheduled for next July.
Zelensky argued that Ukraine is not capable of launching an attack on Vladimir Putin at the Russian president’s residence and suggested that Moscow’s rhetoric aims to galvanize domestic support by portraying a narrative of strength when no decisive victory is at hand.
While en route to a series of overseas engagements, Zelensky’s itinerary included an unannounced stop in Helsinki and an anticipated visit to Berlin on May 13. The trip was tied to the award of the Charlemagne Prize for European values in Aachen, with German outlets noting early announcements had disappointed Kyiv, prompting discussions about potential changes to the schedule.
counter attack on the road
Every diplomatic appearance by Zelensky is weighed against Ukraine’s wartime realities, including ongoing preparations and the counteroffensive to liberate occupied territories. Before his media appearance, officials warned of possible retaliation. His adviser clarified on X that Zelensky’s aim remains clear: all forces and means are directed at liberating Ukrainian lands, not attacking others.
Meanwhile, air-raid alerts sounded in Kyiv and eastern Ukraine in response to threats mentioned in statements from the Kremlin condemning alleged plots against Putin. Zelensky, in Helsinki alongside Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, emphasized that the counteroffensive would press on until Ukrainian sovereignty is restored.
Scandinavian political return
The visit carried weight for both sides. Finland had recently formalized its NATO membership after overcoming objections from Turkey, a political shift propelled by conservative leadership under Petteri Orpo and the coalition’s broader realignment. Orpo’s government began coalition talks with centrist parties and the True Finns, signaling a shifting European security landscape. In Kyiv’s view, the political realignments in Scandinavia were favorable, with Marin in Finland and the center-left coalition in Sweden showing backing for Ukraine’s needs in ammunition and arms shipments.
Sweden’s center-right government, led by Ulf Kristersson, also received signals from allied capitals regarding NATO membership, which required Ankara’s agreement. Turkey’s stance still loomed large, as President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had not withdrawn objections and viewed the security situation as evolving against regional terrorism concerns. The alignment in the Nordic region paralleled Finland’s accession and reflected broader European strategic considerations.
Alongside Scandinavian and Baltic support, Zelensky’s Helsinki discussions carried significance for the European Union presidency task held by Sweden at the time. A joint procurement framework for ammunition, announced by the European Commission, suggested a coordinated effort to sustain allied stockpiles. While the precise financial terms were still being finalized, the proposed package indicated a substantial commitment to defense cooperation and shared logistics among EU members and partners. The proceedings underscored a broader push to strengthen defense industrial base partnerships and supply contracts across allied states.[citation: European Council briefings]