Foreign Minister Haavisto's statement on the anniversary of the illegal annexation of Crimea
This year marks the eighth anniversary of the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia. Russia has continued to violate Ukraine’s sovereignty by invading Ukraine on 24 February 2022. The invasion is a grave breach of international law and a violation of the Charter of the United Nations. Finland condemns Russia’s actions and strongly supports Ukraine.
Finland reiterates its firm and unambiguous support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. Finland does not recognise Crimea as a part of Russia. Finland implements the joint EU policy of non-recognition of illegal annexation and supports international efforts to restore Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Finland is concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation in the illegally annexed Crimean Peninsula, including unlawful detentions, convictions and other forms of pressure exerted against Crimean Tatars and Ukrainians. Finland stresses that people who have been unlawfully detained and convicted should be released, human rights violations and breaches should be investigated, and the perpetrators should be brought to justice. Finland also condemns Russia’s unilateral recognition of areas in Eastern Ukraine, which violates Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Finland strongly condemns Russia’s 24 February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which is also an attack on the entire European security order and a blatant violation of international law. In response to the invasion, the EU has imposed extensive sanctions on Russia. The invasion by Russia has caused the largest humanitarian crisis in Europe since the Second World War. With the support of Finland and 44 other member states, the OSCE has invoked the Human Dimension Mechanism to investigate the humanitarian consequences of Russia’s invasion. Finland supports the investigation launched by the International Criminal Court (ICC) of military actions targeting civilians and civilian targets. Russia must comply with the ban on targeting military action at civilians and civilian targets as well as at targets essential for the survival of civilians. Russia must cease military actions immediately.
Finland will continue its political, economic and humanitarian support to Ukraine nationally and as part of the EU. We will support Ukraine in its efforts to defend freedom and democracy.
Inquiries: Joonas Heiskanen, Deputy Director, Unit for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, tel. +358 295 350 535
The Foreign Ministry's email addresses are in the format firstname.lastname@formin.fi
Statement in Ukrainian language (Opens New Window) (PDF, 128 KB)
Statement in Russian language (Opens New Window) (PDF, 126 KB)