FINNISH Prime Minister Sanna Marin arrived in Kiev on a surprise visit today where she met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. 

She was taken to the Ukrainian towns of Irpin and Bucha, the site of alleged war crimes, which both Russia and Ukraine blame on each other.  

“It was extremely difficult to look at everything that Russia has done to these cities. Many people died. At the same time, the heroic spirit of the Ukrainian people, who are fighting for their freedom and for the whole of Europe, is admirable,” Ms Marin said.

Mr Zelensky said that Ukraine was grateful for the Finnish Prime Minister’s support. 

“Finland’s military assistance is very valuable to us. Weapons, the sanctions policy and the unity of our partners on the issue of Ukraine’s application to the EU are what can ensure strength in our country’s defence,” he said. 

Finland submitted its written application to join the Nato military alliance last week, however its bid is being held up by Turkey. 

Talks were held between the two nations in Ankara on Wednesday with no sign of breaking the impasse.

Fighting intensified in the eastern Donbass region where Russia continued to make advances. 

It is believed to have attacked more than 40 settlements as part of a drive to take the strategic towns of Severodonetsk and Lysychansk.