EU leaders express their strong support for Ukraine

The informal European Council meeting in Brussels on Thursday 17 February expressed its strong and united support for Ukraine, its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Prime Minister Sanna Marin represented Finland at the meeting.

“The current security situation in Europe gives cause for concern. It is important to try to resolve the situation peacefully and by diplomatic means. It is essential that the situation does not further deteriorate and military measures do not escalate. In addition to statements, real measures are now needed from Russia to ease tension,” Prime Minister Marin says.

The leaders of the Member States endorsed the December European Council’s position that Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine would have serious and extensive consequences.

If necessary, the EU is prepared to swiftly step up sanctions against Russia. The European Union has imposed various sanctions against Russia since 2014, when Russia occupied the Crimean Peninsula of Ukraine.

Inquiries: Jari Luoto, State Under-Secretary for European Affairs, tel. +358 50 468 5949; Lauri Voionmaa, Special Adviser (International Affairs), tel. +358 295 160 306 and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office