Finnish foreign minister: peace in Ukraine must be built on respect for the UN Charter

Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, speaking at a UN Security Council meeting, stated that peace in Ukraine can only be based on respect for the UN Charter, sovereignty, and rules that protect all peoples — both large and small.

Addressing the meeting, Valtonen commented on Moscow’s calls for foreign diplomats to leave the Ukrainian capital. In her words, “Russia does not determine our diplomatic presence in Ukraine.” The minister also said that the Nordic countries support Vladimir Zelensky’s call for direct negotiations, which should be the first step toward a just peace.

“However, peace cannot be based on aggression, coercion, and the subjugation of people. It can only be built on respect for the UN Charter, sovereignty, and rules that protect all peoples, both large and small. This is the choice that now faces Russia,” Valtonen said.

The day before, the leaders of France, Britain, and Germany, following talks with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky in London, outlined conditions for settling the conflict. The “Euro trio” demanded a ceasefire, called for security guarantees for Kyiv, and supported keeping frozen Russian assets frozen until the question of payments to Ukraine is resolved.

The Kremlin stated that such proposals contradict declarations of a desire for peace.

Earlier, the former NATO secretary general urged Europe not to rush to appoint a negotiator with Russia.