All news

Finnish FM says situation in Ukraine affects European security

The Finnish foreign minister expresses concerns over issues connected with security of the OSCE observers, stating the situation in Ukraine has a strong impact on the situation across Europe
Finnish Foreign Minister Timo Soini Anton Novoderezhkin/TASS
Finnish Foreign Minister Timo Soini
© Anton Novoderezhkin/TASS

MOSCOW, June 6./TASS/. The situation in Ukraine affects European security, Finnish Foreign Minister Timo Soini said after talks with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Monday.

"I have expressed concern over issues connected with security of the OSCE observers," the diplomat said. "The situation in Ukraine has a strong impact on the situation across Europe and affects security of the whole of Europe," Timo Soini added.

"Our position is firm - the Minsk agreements must be implemented," the top Finnish diplomat stressed. "This is the roadmap," he added.

Putin's visit to Finland 

 The Finnish foreign minister added that Helsinki is looking forward to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit at the beginning of July.

"We exchange visits extensively, President Putin will visit Naantali at the beginning of July," he said.

Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed earlier on Monday that Putin is planning to visit Finland. "Yes, preparations are being made for this visit. When there is final understanding on dates and timeframe (of the visit), we will make an official statement on this," he said commenting on Finnish media reports that this visit may take place in July.