Finland’s political leaders have condemned Russia’s one-night war in Ukraine by Ukraine’s foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba described a "full attack".
Many media outlets, including Reuters and BBChave reported that Russian troops fired missiles at several Ukrainian cities, including the capital, Kiev, and Russian troops have landed on the country’s south coast.
President Sauli Niinistö tweeted Thursday morning that he strongly condemns Russia’s military action in Ukraine.
"Russia’s actions are against Ukraine, but at the same time they are an attack on the entire European security order. We have deep sympathy for Ukraine and are looking for ways to increase our support for Ukraine," Niinistö wrote.
prime minister Sanna Marin (SDP) as well took to Twitter to condemn Russia’s actions, reflecting Niinistö’s promise that Finland will consider options to further support Ukraine.
"The attack is a serious violation of international law and threatens the lives of numerous civilians. Finland expresses its strong support for Ukraine and the Ukrainians and we are looking for ways to increase this support," Marin wrote.
Haavisto: A “blatant violation” of Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Finnish MPs discussed the Russia-Ukraine crisis in a parliamentary plenary session with the Foreign Minister on Wednesday. Pekka Haavisto (Green) describes Russia’s actions against Ukraine as a flagrant violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty.
In a broad foreign and security policy debate, Haavisto added that Russia’s military pressure on Ukraine is a threat to the security of Europe as a whole.
"We cannot accept the transfer of borders by military force or the threat thereof," Haavisto said.
As part of the European Union, Finland has responded to Russia’s actions in Ukraine with sanctions.
Vice-Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs Erkki Tuomioja (SDP) told Parliament it was possible that warfare could spread to Europe.
However, Tuomioja emphasized the importance of diplomatic negotiations and at the same time stated that the road may not be fast.
"After the use of force, we have now witnessed [before Thursday's military action], returning to the path of development is neither easy nor quick. Prolonged preparations are needed for tensions and clashes and the use of sanctions," said Tuomioja.
MPs discuss NATO membership
PMMarin told Parliament on Wednesday that the threat of a major war is more real today than it has been for a long time and that Russia’s actions will have a long-lasting effect on Finland’s relations with Russia.
"If our national security requires it, we are ready to apply for NATO membership." Marin said.
Although there is no immediate military threat to Finland, the situation is serious and difficult to predict, the Coalition Party’s Vice-Chairman Elina Valtonen said.
"Nor do we want to turn a blind eye to the gradual sliding of Belarus into Russian influence," Valtonen told Parliament.
He also pointed out that NATO membership would strengthen the future security of both Finland and its neighboring areas, but increased it. "There is no shortcut to NATO. The path to membership is built only with the support of our citizens and together with our partners."
Movement Now chair Harry Harkimo said the timing of NATO membership is not right now.
"It is all the more important that Finland maintains the position it has chosen and does not give up." said Harkimo.
However, several MPs supported the supply of defense equipment to Ukraine.
Defense Minister: Situation in Ukraine “very serious”
Before Wednesday’s parliamentary session, the Minister of Defense Antti Kaikkonen (Cen) told a news conference that the situation in Ukraine is now "really serious" and it can deteriorate very quickly.
The Ministry of Defense previously announced that Ukraine has requested additional assistance from Finland with regard to defense and emergency materials. Finland has also received requests from the Netherlands and Estonia for approval of arms exports to Ukraine in connection with arms originating in Finland.
In December, Yle reported that Estonia would like to export cannons from East Germany that Finland had once acquired to Ukraine. To this end, Estonia must obtain a permit from both Finland and Germany.
Prime Minister Marin said on Tuesday that Finland has also received a request from the Netherlands, the content of which has not been made public.
According to Kaikkonen, the Dutch request is a preliminary study on the basis of which no decisions have yet been made. If an official request is received, it will proceed through the normal process, according to Kaikkonen.
"The Estonian issue is still on the table. We are still waiting for a response from Germany and we will not be able to make a decision until" Kaikkonen said.
When Germany’s position is clear, Finland will make its decision quickly, he added.
Source: The Nordic Page