Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy engaged in a series of crucial diplomatic calls on Sunday, briefing the leaders of Finland and Latvia on his recent high-profile meeting with former US President Donald Trump. The conversations also addressed the ongoing war effort and a recent brazen attack on a residence linked to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Diplomatic Briefings with European Allies
President Zelenskyy held separate telephone conversations with his Finnish counterpart, Alexander Stubb, and Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs. The primary focus was to share details and insights from his meeting with the Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump, which took place in the United States. Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to both Finland and Latvia for their unwavering and consistent support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion.
During the call with President Stubb, the two leaders coordinated their positions ahead of the upcoming Washington summit of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) scheduled for July. They discussed key issues on the alliance's agenda, particularly those concerning Ukraine's future security and path toward Euro-Atlantic integration. The Ukrainian leader thanked Finland for its significant military aid packages and its role in training Ukrainian soldiers.
Condemnation of the Attack on Putin's Residence
A significant part of Zelenskyy's discussion, particularly with President Rinkēvičs of Latvia, involved the recent incident where a Ukrainian drone reportedly struck a residence used by Vladimir Putin in Russia. Zelenskyy was unequivocal in his condemnation of the attack, framing it not as a targeted strike but as a demonstration of Russia's own vulnerability.
"This is not an attack on Putin's residence," Zelenskyy stated firmly, according to a readout from his office. He characterized the event as a pointed message to Russia, highlighting that "war is returning to Russia's territory" and that the conflict is coming back to "symbolic centres and military bases" within the aggressor state. This rhetoric underscores Ukraine's strategy of bringing the consequences of the war home to the Russian leadership and public.
Focus on Defense and International Law
Beyond the diplomatic updates, the conversations delved into practical matters of defense. With President Rinkēvičs, Zelenskyy discussed the urgent need to strengthen Ukraine's air defense systems, a critical requirement to protect cities and infrastructure from relentless Russian missile and drone attacks. The leaders also talked about the crucial work on a bilateral security agreement between Ukraine and Latvia, which would formalize long-term defense commitments.
Both European leaders reaffirmed their strong support for Ukraine's peace formula, a 10-point plan championed by Zelenskyy that includes the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity and the complete withdrawal of Russian troops. They emphasized the importance of holding Russia accountable under international law for its actions in Ukraine.
The calls concluded with agreements to maintain close and regular contact, ensuring continuous coordination on both bilateral support and broader international efforts to counter Russian aggression. These discussions highlight Ukraine's active and multifaceted diplomatic campaign to sustain global support, share strategic information with key allies, and shape the narrative around significant battlefield events as the war continues.
