Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha traveled to Helsinki, the capital of Finland, to hold concrete negotiations with Ukraine's allies in Northern Europe on his country's security and peace initiatives.
Sybiha said his visit would not be limited to general statements, adding that the priority in the diplomacy of a country at war was to mobilize allies and quickly implement steps that would ensure Ukraine's security. Sybiha said Ukraine wanted peace and noted that the country should defend its own conditions and interests rather than appease the aggressor.
Security and peace agenda in Helsinki
Describing the Nordic countries as among Ukraine's closest allies, Sybiha said he would thank them in Helsinki for the support they had provided so far and that he aimed to further strengthen the security alliance.
Sybiha said he would speak for the first time at a session of the Nordic Council and would also hold separate meetings with the foreign ministers of Finland and Norway. He said they would coordinate the implementation of the decisions taken in Oslo by the leaders of Ukraine, Finland and Norway.
Sybiha said peace efforts would be at the center of the talks and noted that they would also assess the results of the phone call that the leaders of Finland and Norway had held with Russian President Vladimir Putin that same morning. Sybiha said they expected to determine the next steps in coordination.

Operation in Oleshky
Sybiha said he hoped the operation in Oleshky to rescue people would be completed successfully. He said the process could serve as a positive sign that agreements could be reached and steps toward peace could be taken.
Keeping Ukraine in the talks
Sybiha said possible talks among the United States, China and Russia were on the agenda and stressed that it was critically important for Ukraine to coordinate with its friends.
Sybiha said the president of Finland was in constant contact with the president of Ukraine and noted that they were working to prevent any decision from being taken without Ukraine's knowledge.