EU Foreign Affairs Council to discuss Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, situation in Middle East, and China

EU foreign affairs ministers will convene in Brussels on Monday 23 June. Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will represent Finland at the meeting.

The ministers will continue their discussion on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

“It is important for the EU to strengthen its leadership in support of Ukraine. We cannot afford any kind of Ukraine fatigue – quite the contrary. Ukraine has already long expressed its readiness for a ceasefire and peace negotiations. The war continues because Russia does not want peace. This is why we must continue to increase pressure on Russia. Strong and effective new sanctions should be introduced without delay,” says Minister Elina Valtonen. “At the same time, we have to promote our joint response to Russia's hybrid actions”.

EU foreign affairs ministers held an informal video teleconference on 17 June to discuss the situation between Israel and Iran, and the Foreign Affairs Council will continue the discussion on ways for the EU to de-escalate the conflict.  Other topics on the Council’s agenda are the situation in Gaza and other crises in the region.

“With regard to the situation between Israel and Iran, it is important for the EU to be united in de-escalating the situation and promoting a return to diplomacy. At the same time, the EU must remain vigilant about other developments in the region, especially about the situation in Gaza,” says Foreign Minister Valtonen.

The foreign affairs ministers will also discuss China and European security.

“China’s support to Russia undermines security in Europe, and we cannot accept that. At the same time, the EU is an important trading partner for China,” Minister Valtonen says.