The head of state said that the recent sham referendums and widespread rocket attacks in Ukraine were Russia’s attempts to regain momentum in the war, due to which the West must continue to impose sanctions on the rogue country for as long as is necessary.
President Karis recognised the Icelandic civil movement ‘Sending Warmth’, as part of which people in the country are knitting wollen socks for Ukrainian soldiers, and mentioned that a similar undertaking in Estonia, ‘1000 Heroes in the Snow’, had proven just as successful. Both, he said, would help the Ukrainian resistance face the cold winter ahead. “Even modest but heartfelt deeds will help lead Ukraine closer to victory and boost our unity and solidarity,” he said. “Small countries can join forces and pool their knowledge to help rebuild Ukraine, which has been devastated in this war.” To illustrate this point, the head of state outlined the reconstruction plans Estonia has put forward for the Zhytomyr region.
While in Reykjavik, President Karis also met with Arctic Circle chairman and co-founder Ólafur Ragnar Grimsson. The organisation gives voice to Iceland’s efforts to involve the international community in debates over the future of the Arctic.
