Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto (Green) has said that recent meetings between German and Russian leaders indicate that ongoing tensions in Ukraine could still be resolved through diplomatic means.
The security situation in the region remains strained, with western countries expressing concern about an impending attack on Ukraine as Russia continues to mass troops at the border.
Haavisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin (SDP) spoke at a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday.
“We are approaching this situation one day at a time, and Wednesday was intended to be the day that Russia began invading Ukraine, according to our intelligence. If it does not begin today, then that day is a win for diplomacy. Every one of these days is important. It gives us time to attempt to find a solution,” Haavisto told Yle.
“At the same time, we are closely monitoring Russian troops that are stationed at the border with Ukraine. It is still too early to comment. It would certainly be a matter of several days if the troops are withdrawn. I currently do not have any information regarding the same,” he added.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday. According to Haavisto, Scholz’s trip to Moscow as well as his visit to Kiev on Monday were critical, bringing in new information and perspectives to the situation.
“It appears that Russia considers it important to maintain diplomatic relations with the United States. In terms of European leaders, Putin has met Scholz and (French President Emmanuel) Macron. The discussions have, of course, been difficult, but they have taken place. I believe that diplomacy will still prevail for a few days,” Haavisto stated.
Haavisto: Normandy Format could help resolve the crisis
According to Haavisto, Germany and France’s actions are part of attempts to revive the Normandy Format, or the Normandy contact group.
The term relates to talks that took place between representatives of Germany, France, Russia and Ukraine in 2014 as a means of ending the Donbas War in Ukraine.
Haavisto said he believes that Normandy talks could play a key role in resolving the current conflict. The four countries held a meeting to discuss the situation in Paris on 26 January 2022.
“When seeking a solution to the crisis in eastern Ukraine in particular, an agreement similar to the Minsk Protocol, which France and Germany could support, could be a way out of this,” He noted.
The Minsk Protocol was an agreement in the Normandy Format which sought to end the Donbas War.
Haavisto also pointed out that Russia has made some progress in its talks with the United States, and added that he considers it important for the defence ministers of Finland and Sweden to attend Nato’s defence ministers meeting in Brussels on Wednesday.
The meeting will continue efforts to de-escalate tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
Marin: Speeches must lead to actions
Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin (SDP) noted that the situation will also be discussed at the summit between the EU and the African Union (AU), scheduled for 17–18 February in Brussels.
“It is crucial that EU leaders get the opportunity to debate this issue together. The situation is still grave. It is important for us to have a common idea of where we are going,” Marin stated.
According to the prime minister, the latest comments from the negotiating parties give rise to hope that tensions are easing.
“Of course, speeches must lead to actions. We are carefully watching to see whether Russia withdraws its troops from the border. Whether it proceeds the way they say it will.”
Marin reiterated the statement the EU made in December, which indicated that any expansion of military operations in Ukraine on Russia’s part would lead to severe and far-reaching consequences in the form of economic sanctions.
“The EU is ready to respond if the situation requires. Of course, we all hope that a solution can be found peacefully and through diplomacy,” she stated.
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