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Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen reaffirmed her country’s firm support for Ukraine, calling it a top priority of the OSCE under Finnish chairmanship during remarks to the 17th annual Kyiv Security Forum on May 10.
"This year, Finland holds the chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. Supporting Ukraine is a key priority for the OSCE under our leadership,” Valtonen said in a video address to the forum, titled "UA: Let’s Unite Again to Defeat the Global Aggressor," organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation Open Ukraine.
“Finland has a long history of working for peace both in Europe and around the world,” she continued. “Our history compels us to carry on this vital work. A just and lasting peace in Ukraine is in everyone’s interest — without it, there can be no stability in Europe.”
Valtonen stressed that Ukraine is an integral part of Europe and reaffirmed Finland’s full support for Ukraine’s EU membership aspirations.
“Dear Ukrainians, rest assured — Finland stands firmly with you,” she said. “Since the start of Russia’s full-scale aggression, we’ve provided political, humanitarian, economic, and military assistance. And we will continue to do so — for as long as it takes.”
Valtonen emphasized that Finland’s support is not merely a show of solidarity but a defense of the rules-based international order and democratic values.
“This is about defending our shared values — freedom, human rights, and the right of every nation to choose its own future,” she said. “These are the principles on which Finland was built, and they’ve guided us through difficult times.”
She also condemned Russia’s ongoing war crimes and brutal attacks on civilians.
“With sorrow and outrage, I follow the reports of Russia’s relentless assaults and airstrikes,” Valtonen said. “Despite all the talk of peace, Russia continues to ruthlessly strike Ukrainian cities and residential areas. These are not acts of war — they are acts of inhuman cruelty. These are war crimes, and this must be clear to everyone.”
Valtonen echoed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s sentiment that “no one wants peace more than Ukrainians.”
She concluded by framing Ukraine’s struggle as part of a larger battle for Europe’s and the world’s future.
“Ukraine is fighting for its independence, its territorial integrity, its sovereignty — but also for the security of Europe and the freedom of us all,” Valtonen said. “The future of the rules-based international order is at stake. Ukraine and Ukrainians deserve every bit of support we and our partners can provide.”
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