Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen reminds that the support of NATO countries to Ukraine does not escalate the war.
French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna demand uniform support from NATO countries for Ukraine.
– We must all be in solidarity. That is the message of Finland and France and most of the member countries. This unity must also be shown to Russia.
Colonna calls for the continuation of military, economic and humanitarian support so that Ukraine can defend itself and regain its full sovereignty.
Colonna reminds that it is not only about Ukraine.
– We will continue and our message is clear. There is a lot at stake, firstly Ukraine’s independence and self-determination. But it is also about the stability of Europe and the security architecture of our continent. That is why we are supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes.
Poland announced last week that it would stop handing over weapons to Ukraine, but the message was later softened.
Colonna emphasized that Poland must also show solidarity.
Colonna criticized Russia for violating the central principles of the UN, despite being a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
Colonna: Turkey and Hungary must fulfill their promises
Foreign minister Elina Valtonen (co.c.) consulted in the morning with the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna, about, among other things, support for Ukraine, security and European policy.
Colonna also highlighted Sweden’s NATO membership. Sweden’s membership appears to be at an impasse as Turkey and Hungary are delaying its approval.
The French foreign minister demands that Sweden join NATO immediately.
– It will happen simply: so that Turkey and Hungary, which have not yet accepted membership, ratify it and implement what they promised in Madrid 2022. It’s already been more than a year, it must be done now.
Valtonen: We have the right to help Ukraine
Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen answered at a press conference the question whether the crisis in Ukraine is in danger of escalating.
In Valtonen’s opinion, there is too much belief in the Russian narrative in the West, that NATO is a threat to Russia. This is not the case, reminds Valtonen.
– According to international agreements, we have the right to help Ukraine. This is not an escalation.
Valtonen says that Finland has never provoked Russia. Helping Ukraine is also not a reason to expand the war.
– Only Russia is responsible for the escalation, Valtonen says.