Iceland premier reiterates solidarity as she meets Ukrainian president in Kyiv

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday discussed Ukraine war with Iceland's Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir, who arrived in the capital Kyiv on an official visit.

“Since the first days of full-scale Russian aggression, Reykjavik has been actively supporting Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said in a message on Telegram, adding that support shown by all partners and allies is important.

A separate statement by the Ukrainian presidency said Zelenskyy informed Jakobsdottir of the situation at the front, and thanked Iceland for the support.

"Thank you to your government and people, all Icelanders for your support. I would like to convey this message to your society and parliamentarians. We appreciate that you are helping us politically, financially, humanitarianly and in other directions," he added.

Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for “supporting Ukrainians who were forced to leave their native country because of the war.”​​​​​​​

Jakobsdottir, for her part, said "It was an honour meeting Zelenskyy in Kyiv today."

"The President and the people of Ukraine have shown strength and perseverance the whole world admires. Iceland continues to stand in solidarity with Ukraine," she said on Twitter.

Since the start of the war on Feb. 24 last year, Iceland has condemned Russia, has complied with EU sanctions imposed on Moscow, and has financially supported UN agencies and other international organizations providing humanitarian assistance on the ground. It has also welcomed refugees from Ukraine.