National Statement of Finland at the UN General Assembly: Eleventh Emergency Special Session on Ukraine
Read the National Statement of Finland at the UN General Assembly: Eleventh Emergency Special Session on Ukraine delivered by H.E. Ms. Elina Kalkku, Permanent Representative of Finland to the United Nations, on 24 Feb 2026 in New York.
Madame President,
Finland aligns itself with the statements by the European Union and Denmark on behalf of the Nordic Countries.
Today, the fifth year of war is beginning, since the Russian Federation launched its full‑scale invasion of Ukraine. Peace efforts have been ongoing since last year. We thank the United States and other Member States for their hard work.
This winter has been particularly devastating in Ukraine. By its acts, Russia has shown no genuine interest in peace. It has scaled up massive missile and drone strikes against Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure. It has destroyed energy, heating, water, and transport infrastructure, targeting civilians in cold winter temperatures. Dear Colleagues, imagine losing your heating and electricity in New York City, during these cold and snowy weeks. The Russian attacks have left millions of Ukrainians without electricity, heating or water in freezing temperatures, even if international humanitarian law explicitly prohibits targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Madame President,
Ukraine is defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity, enshrined in the UN Charter. The General Assembly has repeatedly sent a clear message: Russia’s war of aggression violates the UN Charter - it is a clear violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and it cannot be allowed to stand.
By supporting Ukraine, we also defend multilateral world order, which is based on the UN Charter and international law. We cannot let grave violations stand without consequences – not in Ukraine, nor anywhere else in the world. Again, in the General Assembly, the UN Member States have had to decide, what kind of a world do they want to leave for future generations. One where wars rage and territorial grabs prevail, or one where disagreements are solved through negotiations, laws are respected, and accountability prevails.
Madame President,
Today, the General Assembly has again stood at a crossroads. And it has, again, called for a cease-fire and just and lasting peace, instead of being indifferent towards a full scale invasion and grave violations of the Charter.
Ukraine has demonstrated its commitment to peace. Despite ongoing brutal attacks, Ukraine has engaged constructively in internationally supported peace talks, and it has repeatedly called for a ceasefire. We urge Russian Federation to do the same: to show willingness not only to negotiate, but also to proceed to peace, and stop chasing its illegal dreams. If not for the rest of the world, at least for the sake of Russian people.
As outlined in today’s resolution, there needs to be an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire, and a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, in line with the UN Charter and international law.
Madame President, Finland will continue to support Ukraine and its brave people under military attack, for as long as it takes.
I thank you.