Situation in Ukraine and Finland's participation in MINUSMA peacekeeping mission discussed by the President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy

On Tuesday 8 September, the President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed the situation in Ukraine. Even though hostilities in Eastern Ukraine have eased off in recent days, reaching a permanent ceasefire is integral for the implementation of the Minsk agreements. Russia must shoulder its responsibilities in stabilising the situation in Ukraine and support the stop to all violence in Eastern Ukraine and Crimea.

Finland stresses the importance of reinforcing the ongoing social and economic reforms in Ukraine. It is important that the local elections of 25 October be organised in line with the principles of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). At the end of August, Ukrainian authorities and representatives of the private sector reached an agreement on easing of the country's debt burden. The support of the international community is necessary for Ukraine's reform efforts.

The meeting also discussed Finland's participation in the United Nations' MINUSMA peacekeeping mission in Mali. The President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy decided that Finland will strengthen its participation and deploy a maximum of 20 people to the mission. The Committee also received a presentation on the defence cooperation between Finland and Sweden.

Inquiries: Jukka Salovaara, Director General, tel. +358 295 350 636 and Terhi Hakala, Director-General, tel. + 358 295 351 300 (situation in Ukraine), Ministry for Foreign Affairs; Hannu Teittinen, Lieutenant Commander, Staff Officer, tel. +358 295 140 317 (MINUSMA) and Sami Nurmi, Lieutenant Commander, Staff Officer, tel. +358 295 140 336 (defence cooperation), Ministry of Defence.