PM for withdrawal of Ukraine separatist regions recognition

Prime Minister Sanna Marin on Tuesday urged Russia to withdraw its recognition of Ukraine separatist regions and these regions and pull its troops out of Ukraine.

“We call on Russia to withdraw its recognition of these regions, to cease military action and pull its troops out of Ukraine, and to return to talks within the framework of the Normandy Format and the OSCE,” said the Premier on the current foreign and security policy situation in the Parliament.

Terming the the decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin to recognise the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine as a serious violation international law and the fundamental principles of European security, she said that Finland condemns Russia’s unilateral acts that violate Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

“Russia is a party to the conflict. It cannot avoid its responsibilities by pretending otherwise. Russia is now openly in breach of the Minsk Agreements, the implementation of which has the support of the UN Security Council,” said Marin.

She said Russia has increased tensions along the Ukraine border for several months now. The decision to recognise the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions is a serious act.

The Prime Minister pointed out that Russian President Putin also signed an agreement on cooperation with the regions. The State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation has today approved these agreements. It now seems clear that Russia intends to send so-called peacekeeping forces into the regions.

“Unfortunately, in this situation it seems possible that Russia does not intend to stop here, and the situation could deteriorate rapidly,” said Marin, adding that the government is actively monitoring the situation and will keep Parliament informed.

She also said that by sending Russian troops into these regions, Russia is expanding the illegal occupation of Ukraine that began in 2014. The international community has widely condemned Russia’s actions. So too do Finland and the European Union.

“Finland will respond to Russia’s actions as part of the European Union. Finland has consistently emphasised that the EU must be ready to respond in a united, strong and determined manner if the situation so requires,” she added.

The European Union is currently preparing measures to respond to Russia. These measures are being coordinated with close partners and particularly with the United States.

“Yesterday (Monday), I discussed the situation and the preparation of sanctions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen,” she said, adding that last week, the European Council reiterated its full support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“We will continue working with the EU and our other partners to respond to this situation and find a solution,” she said, adding, “ at the same time, we will expand support to Ukraine. We are firmly committed to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.”