Ukraine needs Hornet aircraft which are in service with Finland – President Zelenskyy

He made the statement in an interview with Finnish, Swedish, Danish and Norwegian media.

"It is very important to maintain control in the skies in order not to give it completely to Russia. That is why the aviation coalition is very important. There must be the will of the leaders of the states that have modern aviation. Of course, we will request aircraft from your countries and we will request very persistently in the near future," he said.

Answering a question about the situation with the Hornet aircraft in Finland, the president noted that it depends on "the strength and perseverance of Finland and the partnership of the United States."

The McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet is an American fighter-bomber deck aircraft. Today it is the main combat aircraft of the US Navy and a number of countries, including Finland. 

"I think it depends not only on Finland, but we are very persistent, we have no other choice," he added.

• Ukraine requested Hornet aircraft from the Finnish government of Sanna Marin, but was denied.