Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha visited the Finnish Parliament on Wednesday, October 28. The visit was linked to the Nordic Council session, where Sybiha opened the foreign policy debate.
In his address to the council, Sybiha thanked the Nordic countries for their support and stressed the values they share with Ukraine. He also highlighted the practical benefits of the partnership.
According to Sybiha, the war now being fought is the most technologically advanced in human history, and only Ukraine and Russia have direct experience of warfare on this scale. Ukraine, he said, wants to share the lessons it has learned with its allies.
The foreign minister also underlined Europe’s role in the peace process and the importance of continued cooperation. He said Russia seeks to divide countries both internally and in their foreign policy, and that such attempts must be resisted.
Participants in the session gave Sybiha a standing ovation following his speech.
Talks focused on Finland’s support for Ukraine
During his visit, Sybiha also met Speaker of Parliament Jussi Halla-aho as well as MPs from the Grand Committee, the Foreign Affairs Committee, the Defence Committee and the parliamentary friendship group for Ukraine.
In his talks with Halla-aho, the two discussed bilateral relations, Finland’s unwavering support for Ukraine and current prospects for achieving peace or a ceasefire in Russia’s war of aggression.
Sybiha’s meetings with committee members and the friendship group covered the situation on the front, Russian attacks on critical infrastructure and the need to define Europe’s role in the peace process.
The Ukrainian foreign minister also thanked Finland for its steadfast political support, defence materiel assistance and other forms of aid.
The meeting was attended by MPs Heikki Autto of the National Coalition Party, Pinja Perholehto of the Social Democratic Party, Ville Kaunisto of the National Coalition Party, Inka Hopsu of the Greens and Sanna Antikainen of the Finns Party.