Prime Minister Marin discusses with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal

Prime Minister Sanna Marin had a telephone conversation with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on 7 March 2022. Prime Minister Marin emphasised that Finland firmly supports Ukraine both nationally and through the European Union.

Finland strongly condemns Russia’s attack on Ukraine and continues to promote, by means of large-scale sanctions, the consistent, rapid and determined response by the European Union to the aggression that Russia is continuing. Prime Minister Marin emphasised the readiness of the EU to impose more sanctions that will have a rapid effect.

Prime Minister Marin said that the thoughts of Finns are now with Ukrainians and that the situation in Ukraine touches Finns deeply. She reminded that Finns have had similar experiences in the past. 

The seriousness of the situation in Ukraine and the need for support were emphasised in the discussion. Prime Minister Marin told her Ukrainian counterpart about Finland's decisions to support Ukraine. Ukraine has already received the armed assistance provided by Finland.

The Prime Ministers agreed that it is also important to respond to Russia’s information warfare, in which Russia feeds false information about the war and its own intentions to Russians, too.

Other topics discussed included Ukraine’s application for membership of the European Union and the Ukrainian people's wish for a European future. The consideration of the application is being assessed at the EU level, and Prime Minister Marin estimated that the issue will be discussed at the informal European Council later this week (10–11 March). 

The Prime Ministers agreed to meet face to face as soon as the situation permits.

Inquiries: Lauri Voionmaa, Special Adviser to the Prime Minister (International Affairs), tel. +358 295 160 306, and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU and International Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office