Minister of Finance Purra informs partners in Washington of Finland’s support for PURL initiative
Finland’s Minister of Finance Riikka Purra confirmed Finland’s strong support for Ukraine at meetings in Washington DC last week. Finland will participate in NATO’s Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) and endorse the using of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. According to Purra, Finland must respond to Russia’s escalating aggression against Ukraine, in particular its deliberate targeting of Ukrainian civilians.
“I confirmed Finland’s support for the PURL initiative in general terms at the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group in Washington last week. I also informed the Ukrainian Minister of Finance and the United States Deputy Secretary of the Treasury of our positions. Finland cannot just stand by when systematic aggression is directed at civilians,” Purra says.
The Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) is designed to facilitate the purchase of defence materiel that only the United States can provide, such air defence systems to protect civilians.
In Washington DC, Minister Purra also highlighted the EU-endorsed legislative initiative to use Russian frozen assets to support Ukraine.
The European Commission is expected to submit a legislative proposal on the use of Russia’s frozen assets in early November if the European Council endorses the initiative today.
“Frozen assets can be used in line with international law when those who control the assets are given sufficient legal guarantees that the assets will be made available where necessary. Finland will formulate its position in detail once the Commission submits its proposal. I hope that we can proceed on this quickly so that the war can be brought to an end through negotiations as soon as possible,” Purra said.
Inquiries:
Jussi Lindgren, Special Adviser to the Minister of Finance (Economic Affairs), tel. +358 295 530 514, jussi.lindgren(at)gov.fi