Zelensky, Finland's Stubb hold 'substantive discussions' in Kyiv on security, Russia sanctions

Finnish President Alexander Stubb arrived in Kyiv on Sept. 11 to discuss security cooperation and sanctions against Russia, Ukraine's Presidential Office Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak announced.

Stubb has emerged as a key European confidant of U.S. President Donald Trump and has previously participated in diplomatic discussions ahead of Trump's high-stakes meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Finnish president met with President Volodymyr Zelensky and visited the Wall of Remembrance in Kyiv to honor Ukraine's fallen soldiers.

The leaders held "substantive discussions on a wide range of issues," with Zelensky saying they covered security projects, European integration, infrastructure investments, and security guarantees.

"Significant attention was paid to the attack the Russians carried out against Poland yesterday," the president said. "Strong steps are needed — not only from Europe — strong pressure that will truly limit the potential of Russian warmongering."

"I am grateful to Finland for supporting all our sanctions work."

The meeting comes a day after Poland confirmed downing Russian drones in its airspace overnight on Sept. 10, marking the first time NATO engaged Moscow's military assets over its territory during the full-scale war in Ukraine.

During a joint press conference, Zelensky compared the incident to the occupation of Crimea.

"The scariest thing is that this attack resembles Crimea. Psychologically... Right now, it's a technological war," he said. "It's not about just people in green uniforms. Today, the same role in Polish territory was exposed by Russian drones."

"The most dangerous thing is when, for example, the U.S., as it was in Crimea, or some other partners, send signals that, the main thing... is not to provoke war."

Finland, a staunch supporter of Ukraine, joined NATO in 2023 in response to Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The country shares a 1,300-kilometer (800-mile) border with Russia and has strengthened its defense ties with Western allies since the war began.

The meeting comes as Moscow continues to intensify attacks on Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure, while Putin continues to avoid direct talks with Zelensky, a meeting that Trump has said he aims to facilitate.

Trump's efforts to secure peace have dragged on for eight months without results.

Despite Trump's warning of secondary tariffs if Moscow refuses a ceasefire, his administration has so far only imposed fresh tariffs on India over Russian oil purchases.

Stubb has previously said that the only way to motivate Russia to end the war is through sanctions targeting countries that continue trading with Moscow.

In largest drone breach into NATO territory, Russia appears to be probing Polish resolve

Nineteen Russian drones were recorded crossing into Poland on Sept. 10, in what became the largest attack on a NATO member state since the start of Moscow’s all-out war against Ukraine.

The Kyiv IndependentKateryna Denisova