Finland’s PM calls for Russian action on Ukraine
Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb has called on his Russian counterpart to use its influence to help resolve the ongoing civil crisis in Ukraine. Stubb’s comments came during an hour long phone conversation with Russian premier Dmitri Medvedev Tuesday.
The phone palaver between the Russian and Finnish heads of government focused on bilateral relations as well as European Council meetings due Wednesday.
However Prime Minister Alexander Stubb took the opportunity to call on his Russian opposite number to influence separatists in eastern Ukraine to resolve the country’s months-long civil conflict.
Stubb and Medvedev also spoke about upcoming European Council discussions on EU appointments as well as the situation in the Middle East and Ukraine and the possible introduction of additional sanctions.
“The situation in Ukraine has introduced new challenges for the relationship between Russia and Finland. Our policy on the UK crisis is very clear as an EU member. At the same time we think it’s important to ensure that we maintain a high level dialogue with Russia now and in the future,” Stubb commented.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Feature Interview: Will Russia’s actions in Ukraine affect relations in the Arctic Council?, Eye on the Arctic
Finland: Finland’s NATO membership no substitute for strong nation defence, Yle News
Norway: Nordics rethink security after Ukraine crisis, Yle News
Russia: Russia puts countries on edge in the Arctic, Cryopolitics
Sweden: Risks as Russian military planes fly under the radar near, Radio Sweden
United States: U.S. official criticises Russia for meddling in Finland’s NATO, Yle News
