Statement by Minister Elina Valtonen, Reinforced Permanent Council of the OSCE

Statement by Minister Elina Valtonen, Reinforced Permanent Council of the OSCE

Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland Elina Valtonen, Reinforced Permanent Council of the OSCE, 24 February 2026.

Chair Cassis,

Minister Sybiha,

Esteemed Permanent Representatives,

Few of us expected to witness a war in Europe in our lifetime. It seemed plausible to assume that we would read history and learn from it.

Yet, today marks another anniversary of Russia's illegal, full-scale war of aggression against a sovereign European nation. A permanent member of the United Nations Security Council is flagrantly violating the rules of the international system.

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In early 2022, Poland as the OSCE Chair offered a Renewed European Security Dialogue - a dialogue opportunity for Russia to voice its concerns.

Russia responded by violating all ten principles of the Helsinki Final Act.

Last year, during the Finnish Chairpersonship, we heard many statements underlining the OSCE as an inclusive platform for dialogue.

Russia responded by continuing to occupy territories and striking schools, kindergartens, apartment buildings, and maternity hospitals - killing innocent people.

While an opportunity for negotiations would exist, Russia continues targeted attacks against the Ukrainian energy sector in freezing winter coldness.

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During all of this, the determination, resilience and resolve of the Ukrainian people continue to be remarkable.

Their strive for democracy, human rights, rule of law as principles of their chosen Euro-Atlantic future should serve as an example for all of us.

Supporting these brave Ukrainian forces will be a cornerstone of any future security arrangement.

We support a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. This should be an integral part of any future peace agreement. Only Ukraine can decide what kind of conditions they deem just.

The one standing in the way of peace is Russia.

As their defense continues, Finland stands by Ukraine.

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The values Ukrainians are defending are also the principles of the OSCE.

The Helsinki Final Act declared the very principles that determine that the OSCE is not a neutral observer. Those principles have to be respected still today.

The OSCE continues to serve as an important platform for accountability, dialogue, and practical cooperation. We do not need new arrangements.

Based on Ukraine's needs and wishes, the expertise and potential of the OSCE can be put into use, in line with its basic principles.

I also want to repeat the call for Russia to release three OSCE officials - Vadym Golda, Maksym Petrov, and Dmytro Shabanov.

Their imprisonment is unacceptable, violates international law and the principles of this Organization.

Russia needs to honor the principles and commitments it signed and negotiated 50 years ago.

Thank you.