EU Foreign Affairs Council to discuss Russian aggression against Ukraine, situation in the Middle East and Belarus

EU foreign ministers will convene in Brussels on 18 March. Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will represent Finland at the meeting.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will join via teleconference to discuss Russia and Ukraine, the Middle East, China and the Indo-Pacific region.

“Cooperation with the United States is essential. I look forward to exchanging views with Secretary of State Blinken on how the EU and the United States can together influence the situation in the Middle East and support Ukraine’s defence operation,” says Minister for Foreign Affairs Valtonen.

The Foreign Affairs Council will continue discussions on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, focusing on the EU’s military support for Ukraine, security commitments, accountability and sanctions against Russia.

With regard to the situation in the Middle East, the foreign ministers will discuss the humanitarian situation in Gaza, access to assistance, as well as the revival of the peace process.

The latest developments in Belarus and the strengthening of the EU's policy on Belarus will also be on the agenda.

“Finland strongly condemns the ongoing repression of civil society and politically motivated imprisonments in Belarus. The EU must continue to support civil society and ramp up its sanctions against Belarus,” says Minister for Foreign Affairs Valtonen.