Finland, Poland discuss further sanctions against Russia

Prime Minister Sanna Marin on Thursday held a meeting with her Polish counterpart Mateusz Morawiecki in Warsaw and discussed various bilateral and international issues including further sanctions against Russia and ending Europe’s dependence on Russian energy.

The meeting between the Premiers was held before an international donors’ conference for Ukraine where they focused on changes in the security situation in Europe as a result of the Russian invasion, according to a government press release.

Finland and Poland are united by their shared security environment in the Baltic Sea region and their close cooperation in the EU, through Finland’s NATO partnership, and bilaterally, the observed.

The discussion focused in particular on Finland’s options for strengthening its security and the possibility of applying for NATO membership.

After the meeting, Marin attended the high-level international conference co-hosted by Poland and Sweden in cooperation with the EU and the UN.

The purpose of the event was to mobilise financial assistance to cover Ukraine’s immediate needs, to discuss the country’s long-term assistance and to build up faith in the future.

In her speech at the conference, the Prime Minister condemned Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and stated that Finland was prepared to tighten sanctions against Russia.

She also stressed the need to achieve a robust ceasefire in order to evacuate people and ensure that aid can reach its destination.

“More and more people have lost their homes. We must do our utmost to protect vulnerable groups from falling victim to abuse and trafficking. Finland is working in close cooperation with the Ukrainian authorities to transfer a group of disabled persons and unaccompanied minors directly from Ukraine to Finland,” Marin said at the conference.

Finland has provided Ukraine with material and military assistance. A further EUR 700 million has also been allocated to help Ukrainian refugees arriving in Finland.

“We are also preparing a new decision on humanitarian assistance and a contribution to assist with reconstruction. The contribution would be around EUR 70 million. Finland has also made a decision today on new defence materiel assistance to Ukraine,” she added.

“Ukraine is fighting for Europe and you will be the winners of this war. Our thoughts are with you. Our actions are for the future of Ukraine and its brave people. Finland is ready to do its part,” said the Prime Minister.