Russia must be held liable for war crimes, PM tells in Kyiv

Prime Minister Sanna Marin on Friday held a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv and discussed the accountability of Russia's leadership for violations of international law in Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, said a government press release.

“Russia and its representatives must be held accountable for the crime of aggression, war crimes and for the consequences of the war. Finland is participating in a core group of 20 countries that are seeking ways to hold Russia accountable,” said Marin.

Marin visited Ukraine at the invitation of Ukrainian President Zelensky and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

The visit steps up Finland and Europe’s support for Ukraine.

The Premier met with Zelensky and other Ukrainian leadership as well as with Oleksandra Matviichuk from the Center for Civil Liberties, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022.

Marin was briefed by Zelensky on the state of the war and on Ukraine’s immediate needs for support.

The Prime Minister brought the message that Finland’s unshakable support for Ukraine will continue both bilaterally and through the European Union for as long as necessary.

She emphasised the need to deliver defence materiel to Ukraine and to rapidly ramp up Europe’s defence industry in particular to enable the joint procurement of munitions.

The Prime Minister confirmed Finland’s support for President Zelensky's peace initiative and for its implementation, for example, in relation to radiation safety and environmental damage.

Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Maria Ohisalo also participated in the visit and signed two memoranda of understanding, which are intended to help Ukraine monitor the state of the environment, rebuild the country and implement the green transition.

Prime Minister Marin also visited a military hospital and a school in Irpin.

“We are bringing a clear message of hope for the reconstruction of Ukraine and for its European future. The school children I met today will live in a Ukraine that is a member of the European Union,” said Marin.