Finland censures Russia´s separatist regions recognition in Ukraine

Finland on Monday night strongly condemned Russia´s recognition of the separatist regions in Eastern Ukraine and termed it as a serious breach of the Minsk agreements.

“Finland condemns Russia’s unilateral acts that violate Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The recognition of the separatist regions in Eastern Ukraine is a serious breach of the Minsk agreements,” said the Office of the President in a statement late Monday night.

Finland responds to Russia’s acts as part of the European Union, the statement added.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto also condemned the Russia´s move and said that Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected.

“Recognition of the separatist regions in Eastern Ukraine by Russia clearly violates the Minsk agreements and int´l law. Russia has a responsibility to work to find a peaceful settlement,” Haavisto wrote in a twitter post late Monday night.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday signed two decrees recognizing "the Lugansk People's Republic (LPR)" and "the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR)" as independent and sovereign states.