The Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin said on Tuesday that it supports a new risk analysis of Fennovoima ‘s nuclear power project as the situation between Russia and Ukraine escalates.
The project is partly owned by Russian companies, and experts have warned it could boost Russia’s nuclear weapons production.
Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä had previously told Helsingin Sanomat that the Ministry of Defense intends to conduct a new security assessment for the Pyhäjoki company.
The project has still not been granted a building permit.
Deputies discussed the security situation in Europe on Tuesday afternoon after Russia recognized two breakaway “republics” in eastern Ukraine.
Marin opened the debate, repeating the chairman Sauli NiinistöEarlier comments that Russia had openly violated the Minsk Protocol, which had ratified the two regions into Ukraine.
The Prime Minister described the country’s recognition of Donetsk independence and
Luhansk as a serious excess, saying Russia should return to the negotiating table because the situation could deteriorate rapidly.
"We call on Russia to withdraw its recognition, to end its military activities and withdraw its troops from Ukraine, and to resume discussions within the framework of the Normandy and the OSCE," he said at a news conference after the parliamentary meeting.
Marin assured that Finland stands firmly behind Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty.
The EU announced plans to impose sanctions on Russia after recognizing two separatist zones on Tuesday. In addition, Germany announced the suspension of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project, which aims to double Russian gas supplies to Germany.
According to Marin, Russia is expected to oppose these sanctions by its own means. He stressed that any retaliation by Russia is no longer relevant.
"This is not the key to the situation. The key is to show full support for Ukraine," the prime minister said.
He also said that Finland intends to increase its support for Ukraine through economic and other means. The matter was reportedly discussed at a joint meeting between the President and the Committee on Foreign and Security Policy on Tuesday morning.
Marin also revealed that he was discussing the preparation of sanctions against Russia with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen on Monday.
Source: The Nordic Page