Ukraine’s President Meets with Iceland’s Foreign Minister
On September 9, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held talks with Iceland’s Foreign Minister Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir. Their discussion centered on Ukraine’s readiness for the upcoming winter, safeguarding critical energy infrastructure, and enhancing air defense capabilities. This conversation took place amid Zelensky’s official visits to Norway and Canada.
Sharing details on his Telegram channel that evening, Zelensky highlighted the key topics addressed during the meeting.
“We focused on preparations for the winter season, protecting our energy systems, and boosting air defense. We count on continued cooperation and Iceland’s contributions to the Energy Support Fund,”the president stated.
Iceland’s Financial Support and Ongoing Partnership
Since the full-scale invasion began, Iceland has provided Ukraine with significant financial aid directed towards defense, humanitarian relief, and energy projects. To date, Iceland’s assistance includes:
- $133 million allocated for defense and humanitarian efforts;
- over $24 million dedicated to the PURL program.
Funds from Iceland have already been utilized to procure vital equipment such as cogeneration units and power transformers. Zelensky emphasized the tangible impact of this support, saying,
“The aid we have received is already producing concrete results, and we are grateful for this.”
The meeting also covered collaboration in technology and defense sectors, with particular attention to Ukraine’s vulnerability in anti-ballistic systems. President Zelensky expressed intentions to develop a domestic anti-ballistic defense system. According to Prime Minister Serhiy Koretsky, approximately €650 million is needed to prepare Ukraine’s energy infrastructure for the next heating season.
Additionally, Iceland has delivered over 80 tons of energy equipment to five Ukrainian regions. It's important to note that the demining coalition led by Lithuania and Iceland has contributed €408 million in aid to Ukraine over the past two years. Zelensky’s engagement with Iceland’s foreign minister marks a significant step in deepening bilateral cooperation.
This dialogue underscores the vital role of international support in securing Ukraine’s energy resilience, especially as winter approaches. Iceland’s ongoing assistance highlights its key position in providing the necessary resources and technology to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities. This partnership exemplifies the growing coordination between Ukraine and its global allies amid the prolonged conflict.
As Ukraine continues to strengthen its energy defenses, President Zelensky's discussions with Iceland are part of a broader strategy that includes ongoing dialogues with allies. Notably, Zelensky's recent engagements with US and European partners have emphasized the critical need for air defense support and winter aid, showcasing a unified approach to addressing Ukraine's security challenges.