President Alexander Stubb on Sunday said that Finland would continue the peace efforts respecting Ukraine´s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity as Russia continues its aggression in Ukraine.
Speaking at the National Veterans’ Day event in Hämeenlinna, he also reiterated that Finland´s support for Ukraine would be continued as long as it is needed, according to the speech released by the President Office.
“As Russia continues its aggression in Ukraine for the fourth year in a row, we must continue our peace efforts,” said the President.
He also pointed out that the Finnish people, with their own history, understand Ukraine’s dire situation very well.
“We will continue our support for Ukraine for as long as it is needed. At the same time, together with our Allies we offer our unwavering support for Ukraine’s path to peace, respecting the country’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Stubb added.
Focusing various aspects of the National Veterans’ Day, the President expressed his gratitude to the war veterans.
“With great gratitude for all the work you have done for Finland, I wish you the best of health and a memorable Veterans’ Day,” he said.
National Veterans’ Day was celebrated across the country on Sunday, April 27 to commemorate the contributions of veterans of the Lapland War and World War II.
The day, April 27, was chosen to honor the last day of the war in Finland, which was in 1945.
Finnish involvement in World War II is divided into three different parts — the Winter War (1939–40) and the Continuation War (1941–44) both against the Soviet Union, and the Lapland War (1944-45), against Germany.
According to statistics, around 600,000 men and 100,000 women fought in these wars. One out of eight died in battle and one out of four survivors were left with disabilities.
There were fears about the contribution of these veterans being forgotten in the decades immediately following the war. Veterans Day thus represents the efforts made by the Finnish people and their government to remember and appreciate the sacrifices made by veterans during this difficult period in history.
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
