EU foreign ministers to discuss Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and situation in Middle East

The EU foreign ministers will convene for an informal meeting in Brussels on 29 August. Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will represent Finland at the meeting.

Ukraine’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba will participate in the discussion on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The topics on the agenda include the EU’s military support to Ukraine, initiatives under the European Peace Facility, sanctions against Russia, EU advocacy activities and the EU’s support to Ukraine’s energy sector. 

“Russia is waging an illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, which under the UN Charter, has the right to self-defence and to carry out necessary operations also in the land area of the attacker. Finland has not imposed geographical restrictions on the weaponry it provides to Ukraine,” says Minister Valtonen.

“The EU’s united support for Ukraine has remained unwavering throughout the war of aggression, but we must continue to take further action to increase the support. Ukraine is defending the entire continent, European values and liberty, which is why it is the responsibility of Finland and the European Union to make sure Ukraine has the resources it needs to defend itself,” says Minister Valtonen.

Sigrid Kaag, UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza will participate in the discussion on the situation in the Middle East. Participants will continue the discussion on the EU’s role in managing the increased tensions and on concrete actions to promote the peace process.

“Tension in the Middle East has continued to grow. Reaching an agreement on a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza is essential not only to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza but also to calm the situation in the region. The international community as a whole must strive to promote a two-state solution as a resolution to the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The EU plays a central role in working towards this goal, and it is essential to keep strengthening this position. The work of the EU-Israel Association Council, convened previously by the EU, must be launched,” says Minister Valtonen.

In connection with the meeting, the ministers will hold an informal discussion with the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan on topical foreign policy issues between the EU and Türkiye.

The ministers will also discuss the situation in Venezuela.