National Statement on the Second Anniversary of Russia's Invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2024
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland
Statements, 24.2.2024
Two years ago Russia launched its full-scale war of aggression against its peaceful, sovereign neighbour, Ukraine. In the face of brutal Russian aggression, Ukraine and Ukrainians have shown incredible resilience and determination.
Finland reiterates its condemnation of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine in the strongest terms. It is a flagrant violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, condemned in the resolutions of the UN General Assembly. We remain firm in our demand for Russia to immediately cease all military action and withdraw its armed forces from Ukraine. Finland's support to Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity is unwavering. Finland supports President Zelenskyi's Peace Formula and the initiative for a peace summit. Ukraine and the Ukrainians deserve a just and lasting peace.
This year also marks the tenth anniversary of Russian occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. Finland has condemned the occupation and the subsequent illegal annexation of Crimea in the strongest terms. We remain extremely concerned of the deteriorating human rights situation in Crimea. Russia's attempts to illegally annex Ukrainian territories breach the UN Charter and violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
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 civilian casualties keeps rising as Russia continues its despicable attacks on Ukraine's cities and critical infrastructure. The repercussions of the war are being felt globally through increasing food and energy insecurity.
Finland will continue to strongly support Ukraine in multiple ways for as long as necessary. Finland is a strong provider of defence materiel assistance and other material assistance. Ukraine has become Finland's biggest partner nation in development cooperation and we continue to provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. Finland will continue to welcome people fleeing Ukraine and offer them temporary protection.
The European Union together with its partner countries has imposed extensive sanctions on Russia and Belarus. Finland supports the effective implementation and further strengthening of EU sanctions. Countering the circumvention of sanctions is our particular priority.
Finland is dedicated to ensuring full accountability for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. This entails bringing to justice individuals responsible for the most serious international crimes committed in and against Ukraine. Our support to the ICC and Ukraine's national accountability efforts continues. Finland remains committed to working together with Ukraine and other partners towards establishing a special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. Comprehensive accountability also entails full reparation for damages caused by Russia. We welcome the establishment of the Register of Damage and the progress made on using the revenue of Russia's immobilized assets to support Ukraine, and encourage further steps.
Ukraine's future is European. Ukraine has already done remarkable work on its path towards the EU under extremely difficult circumstances. The people of Ukraine expressed their desire to be part of Europe already ten years ago during the events of Euromaidan. Finland supports Ukraine in its integration with the European Union and in the implementation of the required reforms.
Ukraine's rightful place is in NATO. Finland, as a new member in NATO, works to advance Ukraine becoming a member of the Alliance, as reaffirmed in the NATO Vilnius Summit.
The reconstruction of Ukraine has already started. Finland is working on a National Reconstruction Plan for Ukraine. The Finnish participation in the reconstruction effort will be carried out by the state as well as the private sector and the Finnish civil society.
Finland stands with Ukraine now and in the future.
Elina Valtonen
Minister for Foreign Affairs
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