According to Finnish Ambassador Päivi Laine, there are no signs of war in the embassy area. Doing work in a country at war is exceptional in many ways.
Ambassador of Finland Päivi Laine has returned to his post in Kiev, Ukraine.
While the country is still at war, the city’s improved security situation has allowed a return. However, the mission in Kiev continues to operate under exceptional arrangements.
– Quickly speaking, it feels like the freedom is gone, because here you have to be constantly careful to get protection if the air alarm comes in, Laine says in a telephone interview.
– But on such a beautiful early summer day, Kiev looks as beautiful as ever.
So far, the Finnish embassy has no staff other than Laine. He notes that after a break of more than three months, there is enough work to be done.
– I really miss my colleagues because there seems to be a lot of work. The most normal conditions are indicated, for example, by the fact that, for example, there are many invitations to various events from Ukrainian and other diplomatic colleagues.
– But Ukraine is a country at war and we have to balance all our movements and meetings with the fact that everything can be done as safely as possible.
“Cruelties have only increased determination”
Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine has been going on for more than three months, but Laine says the spirit of national defense is fierce.
– The latest statements have been that their intention is to recapture all the territories that belong to Ukraine, Laine says.
– The atrocities committed by the Russian soldiers against civilians have, in my opinion, only increased the people’s determination to fight, although Russia’s efforts have probably been counterproductive.
Laine and all Finnish citizens employed by the Kiev mission left Ukraine for security reasons in February, when Russia launched an offensive war.
– Leaving at the end of February was very sad and difficult. At that time, he did not know when he could return and could return at all. It was pretty tearing, Laine recalls.
– During these three months, we worked in Helsinki and discussed a lot with colleagues about how part of the heart remained in Ukraine. In that sense, this return feels really good. Having met my own co-workers and colleagues has been emotional.