EU FMS to discuss more sanctions against Russia in Luxembourg

Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto said that strikes in cities outside war zones, with missiles indiscriminately hitting civilian targets, can be considered terrorist acts under international humanitarian law and the meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council scheduled to be held in Luxembourg on Monday definitely will discuss about additional sanctions against Russia.

He also said that the EU must further increase its support to Ukraine, said the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in a press release.

“The EU foreign ministers will discuss Russia’s illegal attack on Ukraine during a new phase of the war. Strikes in cities outside war zones, with missiles indiscriminately hitting civilian targets, can be considered terrorist acts under international humanitarian law. As things stand now, the EU must further increase its support to Ukraine, and our agenda will definitely also include additional sanctions against Russia,” said Haavisto on the eve of the meeting.

Haavisto will represent Finland at the meeting.

The Foreign Affairs Council will continue the discussion on Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine.

Finland strongly condemns Russia’s attempts to change the internationally recognised borders of Ukraine.

Finland supports Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Finland responds to Russia’s actions as part of the European Union.

Foreign ministers will also discuss China. Finland considers it important to strengthen the EU’s resilience and emphasises the unity of the Union in relation to China.

In addition, the Ministers will discuss the current situation in Iran, Lebanon, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the EU Global Gateway Strategy and the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate change (COP 27), which will be held in Egypt on 6–18 November, the press release added.