Zelensky meets Halla Tómasdóttir in Reykjavik ahead of Nordic Council session

Halla Tómasdóttir, the President of Iceland, and Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, met at Bessastadir this morning. Their meeting took place ahead of the formal opening of the Nordic Council session, which began at 14:15. At 09:00, a joint press conference featuring the Nordic Prime Ministers occurred at the Althingi, followed by Zelensky’s address to the Nordic Council at 10:40. He later held a press briefing with both Icelandic and international media.

Jonas Gahr Støre, the Prime Minister of Norway, visited the Sundhöllin swimming pool prior to the session’s start and expressed his enjoyment of morning swims in Reykjavik, which he appreciates as many Icelanders do.

During his engagement, Zelensky thanked Halla for her reception and discussed support for Ukrainian troops, Ukraine’s reconstruction, and combatting Russian disinformation. He affirmed the ongoing Nordic support for Ukraine amid their conflict with Russia after delivering his speech at the Nordic Council session, emphasizing the importance of solidarity among Nordic nations.

Zelensky’s visit was accompanied by heightened security, including armed guards and a police convoy. He expressed his gratitude to Iceland for its support since Russia’s invasion began and addressed significant issues such as the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. He underscored that Ukraine deserves to live in peace, akin to Iceland.

The formal session of the Nordic Council is anticipated to run until 17:00 today, concluding with the council’s award ceremony and a reception at the Parliament Hotel.