Finland hails ceasefire proposal, seeks return of Ukrainian children

Finland welcomed the U.S. proposal for an interim 30-day ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia and the US decision to restore military assistance and intelligence-sharing to Ukraine.

President Alexander Stubb in a post on his social media platform X welcomed the ceasefire proposal and congratulated the Presidents of Ukraine and the United States.

“Finland welcomes the ceasefire proposal agreed by Ukraine and the United States in Jeddah. It is an important first step towards peace negotiations. I congratulate the Presidents Zelenskyy Donald Trump for their efforts to work towards a just and lasting peace,” Stubb in the post on Wednesday morning.

He said it is now up to Russia, the aggressor, to show that it is genuine about ending this war and Finland will continue its support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen in a post on her social media platform X also commended the humanitarian proposals, including the return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred to Russia.

“I welcome the announcement of the proposed interim ceasefire and the US decision to restore military assistance and intelligence-sharing to Ukraine. We also commend the humanitarian proposals, including the return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred to Russia,” Valtonen wrote in the post late Tuesday night.

She also termed these as positive, necessary steps toward a just and lasting peace.

“The responsibility now rests with Russia to demonstrate its commitment to end its war against Ukraine,” the Foreign Minister added.

Ukraine on Tuesday signaled its readiness to accept a U.S. proposal for an "immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire" following talks with a U.S. delegation in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, according to a joint statement.