Government Communications Department
Press release 283/2015
3.6.2015
On Wednesday 3 June 2015, the President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed the situation in Ukraine. The new Government of Finland assesses Russia’s actions in Ukraine and the sanctions imposed by the EU on the basis of the same point of departure as the previous Government. Finland maintains its clear position.
Finland expresses its concern over the continued violence in eastern Ukraine. Ceasefire is violated and casualties are inflicted almost daily. More than two million civilians have fled the conflict. Finland stresses the necessity to implement the Minsk agreements and hopes that progress will be achieved by the working groups on implementation. Ceasefire must be respected and heavy artillery pulled out from the front line as agreed in February. The full implementation of the Minsk agreements, which is to be completed by the end of 2015, is essential also in terms of the duration of the restrictive measures imposed against Russia by the European Union due to the Ukraine crisis. During the crisis, Finland has supported Ukraine with more than EUR 14.3 million in the form of projects, humanitarian aid and experts seconded to the area.
The President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed Finland’s possible participation in an EU-led military crisis management operation in the Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR MED). The operation currently under preparation is aimed at preventing human smuggling in accordance with international law. In principle, Finland takes a positive view of the operation and will look into possible ways to participate in the operation and for cooperation. The Committee will continue to discuss the matter further.
Inquiries: Kirsti Kauppi, Director General, tel. +358 295 351 561, Ministry for Foreign Affairs Vesa Vasara, Deputy Director General, tel. +358 295 351 723, Ministry for Foreign Affairs (situation in Ukraine); and Esa Pulkkinen, Director General, tel. +358 295 140 300, Ministry of Defence (EUNAVFOR MED).