Statement by Foreign Minister Tuomioja on the situation in Ukraine

Press release 43/2014
18 February 2014

I am deeply distressed by the events in Kyiv today and express my condolences to the families of the victims. The unacceptable use of violence has led to an extremely serious situation. We do not have a full understanding of what led to the rapid escalation of the situation and the outbreak of violence.

Ukraine must take responsibility of its political situation and solve the problems in a democratic process. This is the only viable option to find a way out of the current impasse. Finland appreciates the efforts of the representatives of the EU, the OSCE and the Council of Europe in this regard and encourages them to continue their work.

Additional information: Mia Hurtta, Counsellor, mobile +358 40 573 3206, Tarja Kantola, Special Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, mobile +358 40 590 4119