Finland has continued to demonstrate its support for and solidarity with Ukraine on the anniversary of Russia's invasion on Friday.
After a year at war, voices from across Finnish society came out in support of Ukraine.
Finnish leaders stand with Ukraine
"Finland will support Ukraine as long as needed. We will do our utmost to make those who have fled the war feel welcome and safe in our country. And we will help Ukrainians rebuild their beautiful homeland," Finnish President Sauli Niinistö said in a tweet.
Niinistö added in his tweet that Russia's war was unjust and based on false presumptions.
"One year ago Russia started its cruel, illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. It thought it would win. It thought Ukraine would break and our support would waver. It was wrong. One year on, Ukraine continues to courageously fight for its freedom and independence," Niinistö noted.
Prime Minister Sanna Marin (SDP) also showed her support for Ukraine's defence with a tweet accompanied by a picture with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky taken during her visit to Ukraine.
"Ukraine's concern is ours. Today is exactly one year since Russia started a full-scale, illegal and brutal war of aggression in Ukraine. Our message to the Ukrainians is: we will support and help you as long as there is a need. We stand side-by-side with you," the PM said.
In a press release, the Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto (Green) condemned Russia's war crimes and reiterated Finland's unwavering support for Ukraine.
"Ukraine’s future is European. Finland supports Ukraine in its integration with the European Union and in the reforms it needs to implement. Finland welcomes the EU candidate status granted to Ukraine in June 2022," Haavisto noted.
The Foreign Minister emphasised Finland's commitment to Ukraine's military efforts and its reconstruction.
"Finland stands with Ukraine now and in the future," Haavisto concluded in the press release.
Minister of Defence Mikko Savola (Cen) also supported Ukraine in a tweet from the Ministry of Defence.
"Today, our thoughts are with the brave Ukrainians defending their homeland. A year has passed since Russia launched its brutal war of aggression and the atrocities in various parts of Ukraine have not gone unnoticed," the interim Defence Minister said.
The Chair of the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee Jussi Halla-aho (Finns) also tweeted a photo of him in Kyiv standing next to Zelensky holding a Ukrainian flag.
Halla-aho last visited Ukraine in August with his counterparts from the Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian parliaments.
Finnish society honours Ukraine
Across the country, Ukrainian flags were raised over and blue and yellow lights were shun over landmarks from Helsinki to Lapland.
About 1.3 kilometres from the border with Russia in Värtsilä, Ukrainian artist Tonya Melnyk constructed a snow sculpture spelling out "Stop the War" in multiple languages.
In addition to politicians condemning Russia's aggression, iconic Finnish textile firm Finlayson took to Twitter with a blunt tweet calling for the end of Russia's hostile actions.
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