Wednesday November 27, 2024

Finnish MPs vow to continue strong support for Ukraine

Published : 25 Feb 2023, 00:54

Updated : 25 Feb 2023, 00:58

  DF Report
Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto on Friday spoke in the plenary session in parliament on Friday. Photo: Hanne Salonen / Eduskunta.

Finnish lawmakers on Friday expressed their unwavering and strong support for Ukraine until it wins the war.

The topical debate on Ukraine in a plenary session took place on the one-year anniversary of the start of the Russia´s war of aggression where they strongly condemned Russia´s brutal and illegal actions in Ukraine, said the parliament in a press release.

The members of the Parliament stated that Finland is willing to give Ukraine economic, military and humanitarian support as long as it takes.

Ukrainian refugees are warmly welcome to Finland, and after the war Finland is ready to support Ukraine´s reconstruction, they observed.

“The Ukrainians have fought bravely with a strong will to defend their country and with the Western support that has been exceptionally united. The Ukrainians are not fighting only for the future of their own country, but also for democracy and humanity, for us and for other nations that share the same value. The Ukrainians deserve our highest respect and all possible support that we Finns can provide. Ukraine’s cause is ours. We must not forget the Ukrainian people”, said First Deputy Speaker Antti Rinne.

During the discussion it was also emphasized how Russia´s war of aggression has united the EU and caused Finland and Sweden to apply for NATO membership.

Ukrainian Ambassador Olga Dibrova and Counselor Maksym Kravchuk were attending the plenary session in the diplomats' gallery.

Before the topical debate a moment of silence was held to show support for the Ukrainians and to respect the victims of the war.