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National Statement on the Anniversary on 24 February 2023 of Russia's Invasion of Ukraine

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland

Statement, 24.2.2023

Russia launched its illegal invasion of Ukraine one year ago. The invasion is a flagrant violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations. The repercussions of the war have been felt globally, and Russia's aggression has been condemned in resolutions of the UN General Assembly. Russia's war of aggression has led to the worst humanitarian crisis Europe has seen since the Second World War. Millions of Ukrainians have had to leave their homes and the number of casualties keeps rising as Russia continues its attacks on Ukraine's cities and critical infrastructure.

Finland has from the beginning condemned Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine in the strongest terms. We reiterate our demand for Russia to cease military action immediately and withdraw its armed forces from Ukraine. Finland's support to Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity is unwavering. Finland supports Ukraine's initiative for a just peace. We continue development cooperation with Ukraine as well as providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. Finland also delivers defence materiel assistance and other material assistance. Finland has responded to Russia's actions as part of the European Union. The European Union together with its partner countries has imposed extensive sanctions on Russia and Belarus. Finland supports the further strengthening of EU sanctions.

The bravery of Ukrainians defending their country has stirred in us a strong desire to help. Finland will continue to strongly support Ukraine in different ways as long as necessary. Finland has welcomed people fleeing Ukraine and offered them temporary protection, and we will continue to do so.

Russia has breached the European rules-based security order. Russia's ambition to restrict sovereign states' freedom to choose their foreign and security policy arrangements is unacceptable.

Russia's attempts to illegally annex Ukrainian territories breach the UN Charter and violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Finland will never recognise as lawful any illegal annexations of any Ukrainian territories by Russia.

Russia's cruel methods of warfare flagrantly violate international law. Targeting civilians and civilian objects is a war crime. Finland supports the investigations of the International Criminal Court into the atrocity crimes. Finland is involved in the efforts to hold accountable Russian political and military leaders for the crime of aggression. Russia should be held responsible for compensating the damage caused by its aggression against Ukraine.

Ukraine's future is European. Finland supports Ukraine in its integration with the European Union and in the reforms it needs to implement. Finland welcomes the EU candidate status granted to Ukraine in June 2022. The reconstruction of Ukraine is already being planned, which gives hope that the damages of war will be repaired one day. Finland is preparing for the reconstruction of Ukraine together with international partners.

Finland stands with Ukraine now and in the future.

Pekka Haavisto

Minister for Foreign Affairs