Increasing support to Ukraine is vital: PM

Prime Minister Sanna Marin on Thursday underscored the need for increasing political, economic and military support as well as humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.

“It is vital that we continue and increase our support to Ukraine. Ukraine needs our political, economic and military support as well as humanitarian assistance,” said the Premier at the meeting between the EU leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Brussels.

According to Prime Minister Sanna Marin, it is important that the Ukrainian President had the opportunity to appeal to EU leaders in person, according to a government press release issued on Friday.

“Russia is increasing the intensity of its invasion, and Ukraine must be able to defend itself. To do so, they will need significantly more heavy armaments. The need for additional sanctions will also remain for as long as Russia continues its illegal invasion,” said Marin.

The special meeting of the European Council held on Thursday discussed support for Ukraine, migration and measures to support the European economy and competitiveness.

At the summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed to EU leaders to increase support for Ukraine and to intensify sanctions against Russia.

Following a general exchange of views between President Zelensky and the EU leaders, the President met with the leaders of the Member States in separate discussions.

Finland met with Zelensky together with Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

The European Council is strongly committed to the objective of holding Russia and its representatives accountable for international crimes and the consequences of the invasion, including compensation for damage caused by the war.

The European Council reaffirmed that the EU will promote measures to use frozen Russian assets for reconstruction in Ukraine.