Ukrainian envoy gets standing ovation in parliament

Ambassador of Ukraine to Finland Olga Dibrova was given a standing ovation by the lawmakers in the parliament in a plenary session on Thursday.

​Members of Parliament expressed their support and solidarity to Ukraine when the Ambassador attended the plenary session following invitation by Speaker Matti Vanhanen, said a press release issued by the parliament.

“We have followed with great shock Russia's military invasion against Ukraine and the destruction and sorrow it has caused. Parliament of Finland strongly condemns Russia's military attack against Ukraine and her people. At the same time, Parliament, together with other state organs, and in cooperation with all the EU member states, has shown broad and unified support for Ukraine. Our support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity is strong and unwavering", Vanhanen said in his short welcoming remarks.

“With this gesture the Parliament of Finland wishes to express its strong support and solidarity to democratic and free Ukraine and Ukrainians. Ukraine's cause is ours", Vanhanen added.

Before question time, Vanhanen had met with the Ambassador, who wanted to thank all the individuals, organisations and companies for the support and assistance that has been sent to Ukraine so far.

Vanhanen conveyed these thanks to all Finns through a televised question time.​

After the speech, the Members of Parliament applauded the ambassador in the diplomats' gallery.​