Finland strongly supports Ukraine: Niinistö

President Sauli Niinistö on Tuesday said that Russia´s recognition of the separatist regions in Eastern Ukraine is a serious breach of the Minsk agreements and Finland strongly supports the Ukraine and its citizens.

"Finland strongly supports Ukraine and the people of Ukraine," Niinistö said at press conference at the Presidential Palace at the noon, adding that Finland already decided to provide Ukraine with financial support.

Expressing his profound concern over the consequence of the unilateral decision taken by Russia, Niinistö opined that EU-Russia relations could get colder than during Cold War, if Russia expands its operation.

The President, however, said that Finland did not face a military threat at this moment and assured that Finland is well-prepared for the situation.

He also said that the crisis is no longer a European crisis. The United Nations´ Security Council has discussed the issue.

He pointed out that Russia did not get support but got significant criticisms.

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.

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.

Niinistö also met with the chairs of parties elected to Parliament on Monday and discussed various issues including the worsening security tension in Ukraine.