Stubb's Kyiv Visit and Message of Solidarity
Finnish President Alexander Stubb arrived in Kyiv on Sunday, ahead of Ukraine's 35th Independence Day, accompanied by his wife Suzanne Innes-Stubb and Finnish Defence Forces Commander Janne Jaakkola. During a ceremony at the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War, near the Mother Ukraine monument, Stubb drew parallels between Ukraine's current war with Russia and Finland's experience during the Second World War.
"We lost Karelia, but we did not lose our freedom and independence," Stubb said, referring to territory Finland ceded to the Soviet Union. He told the Ukrainian audience, "You will win, you have won, and we will continue to support you." Stubb pledged that Finland would continue supporting Ukraine "for as long as required," describing Ukraine's defence as part of Europe's own security. He added that "Ukraine is the greatest security guarantee for all of us," framing European support as rooted in both democratic values and security interests.
The ceremony also featured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who asserted that Russia would not subjugate Ukraine and said the blue and yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag represented resistance after periods when national symbols faced suppression. Stubb's last visit to Ukraine was in February 2026.
Defense Cooperation and Drone Production Deals
Alongside the ceremonial aspects, Stubb and Zelensky took part in a roundtable meeting on defense cooperation in Kyiv. Zelensky, posting on his Telegram channel, announced that Ukrainian and Finnish companies had signed documents on drone and uncrewed boats production.
"Our companies signed documents on the development and production in Finland of drones for Ukraine and Europe, on the development of capabilities in the area of uncrewed boats, and on the establishment of a company for the production of ground-based robotic systems," Zelensky wrote.
According to the statement, the agreement calls for drones to be produced in Finland for Ukraine and Europe, with additional cooperation on uncrewed boats and ground-based robotic systems. The details of the production volumes and timeframes were not disclosed.
Security and Aid Context
The visit comes as Ukraine's independence anniversary is marked on Monday, with around ten foreign leaders expected in Kyiv, according to reports. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal have already arrived, with the Coalition of The Willing meeting planned with Macron, Merz, and Burnham.
Throughout the visit, broader security concerns remain central. Over the recent period, Moscow has carried out repeated missile and drone strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, and Ukrainian officials have warned of shortages of air defence missiles. In response, France has agreed to accelerate deliveries of air defence equipment and missiles following talks between Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron. Norway has additionally pledged 85 billion Norwegian kroner (about 7.8 billion) in financial support over the next year, targeting Ukraine's budget shortfall that Zelensky has put at around 23 billion.
Election Debate and Drone Strikes
Inside Ukraine, a debate regarding national elections has surfaced. Zelensky has rejected calls to hold elections under martial law, calling the were described as a "tsunami" that would divide Ukraine. Ukrainian law continues to block national elections under martial law, leaving unresolved questions about voting arrangements. The case of Zelensky stated that the conflict is not a good time for elections, while a former defence minister has suggested a path to elections before the war ends, with some reports indicating he may consider running for president.
On the military front, Ukraine has expanded its drone strikes deep into Russia, typically targeting oil infrastructure and logistic sites. Russia has reported downing more than 250 Ukrainian drones in a single day, with interception taking place over several regions and in the waters of the Black and Azov seas.