Kiyv: On Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected Moscow's assertion that Kyiv had attempted to attack the Kremlin and declared that his nation would soon launch a counteroffensive against Russian forces on its own soil.

In a drone attack on the Kremlin citadel in central Moscow earlier on Wednesday, Russia accused Ukraine of trying to kill President Vladimir Putin and threatened to retaliate.

Zelensky said he was concerned about defending Ukraine's own cities and villages against the Russian invasion that began almost 15 months ago while speaking at a press conference in Finland, NATO's newest member. Zelensky declared, "We fight on our territory. We don't attack Putin or Moscow.

Also Read: Man killed by chokehold was restrained by New York City tube riders

Zelensky responded, "It's very simple. It's in Russia's interests to accuse Ukraine of trying to assassinate Putin. Russia hasn't won anything. Putin must now find a way to inspire his people to move forward because he can no longer inspire his society or simply send his troops to their deaths.

The Ukrainian president also asserted that if his nation triumphed on the battlefield, the West would provide Kyiv with cutting-edge warplanes, citing earlier instances that had resulted in Ukraine receiving new types of military aid.

"Due to this, I have no doubt that we will soon have aircraft. Because we're about to launch an offensive, and I'm sure we'll get planes after that. Although it would be simpler for us if it were the other way around, it is what it is, and we are grateful for everything, Zelensky said.

Sauli Niinisto, the president of Finland, stated that the country could not donate its US-made Hornet fighters because they were outdated and few other European nations had comparable models, making it unnecessary to establish a supply chain.

Also Read: Overnight Ukrainian air defences eliminate 18 of 24 Russian drones

Only after his arrival amid tight security in the Finnish capital was the visit of the Ukrainian president to Finland, one of his few overseas trips since the Russian invasion, announced.

He argued again for Ukraine to become a member of NATO, the Western military alliance that last month welcomed Finland as its 31st member in direct response to Russia's invasion. While we are outside of NATO, we need security assurances, Zelensky said.

In any case, full membership in the alliance is what we are aiming for. One of the reasons I'm here today is because of this. Strengthening our army is the second reason, or, to be honest, the top reason.

The prime ministers of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland participated in a regional summit with Zelensky and Niinisto and all expressed support for Ukraine's ultimate goal of joining the EU and NATO. Zelensky's arrival drew hundreds of spectators to central Helsinki, who cheered as he appeared in front of the presidential palace.

Zelensky stated that Kyiv was focused on looking for partners to continue the deal due to expire on May 18, as Russia did not appear to be interested in extending the Black Sea grain agreement that has permitted essential food exports.

Also Read: UN: In 2022 258 million people would experience severe food scarcity

When asked about the grain agreement and how the alleged Kremlin attack might influence talks, he responded, "I don't see interest from Russia to continue the grain initiative, but this happens every time. However, Russia is not a country that we are interested in. The fulfilment of our agreements with our partners is what we seek.