New York (HRNW)- Finnish President Alexander Stubb has called on Russia to end the war in Ukraine, telling the UN Security Council that the conflict is causing a continuing loss of life and that the frontline has seen limited territorial movement. Speaking on behalf of the five Nordic countries, Stubb condemned Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine.
Stubb said Russian forces had captured roughly 900 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory this year, while Ukrainian forces had retaken around 800 square kilometers, according to figures he presented during his remarks. He argued that the pace of territorial change showed that Moscow’s objective of taking the remainder of the Donbas would take years at the current rate.
The Finnish president described the continuation of the fighting as a severe human cost and said he did not see a military solution to the conflict. He called for an unconditional ceasefire, or at minimum a limited ceasefire covering areas such as energy infrastructure and grain, before wider negotiations on security, territory, justice, and a long-term settlement.
Stubb also criticized violations of the UN Charter and said Russia was targeting civilian and critical infrastructure in Ukraine. His remarks were made during a high-level UN Security Council session in New York as international diplomatic efforts over the war continue.
Separately, Finland and Ukraine signed an enhanced defence and security cooperation agreement in New York on September 23. Finland’s presidency said the agreement provides for the transfer of technology, knowledge and expertise and includes joint industrial projects, including cooperation on drone technology.
The agreement was signed by Stubb and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and is intended to strengthen defence capabilities, industrial cooperation, and technological development between the two countries.
The latest diplomatic and defence initiatives come as the Russia-Ukraine war continues, with international leaders pressing for an end to the fighting alongside efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s security capabilities.
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