(The spoken version applies)
Honorable Speaker!
When I look at the Ukrainians fighting on the front line, I think of my grandfathers. They too were defending their country against an overwhelming enemy.
When I look at the leaders in Ukraine, I think of the leaders in our own country. In another situation, they might now be travelling around the world asking for support.
And when I look at Ukrainian nurses in field hospitals, I think of my sister. In another situation, as a nurse, she might now be stopping the bleeding from an amputated limb.
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A thousand days of Russian war of aggression has meant a thousand days of war crimes, environmental destruction, blatant atrocities and genocide. It has meant a thousand days of attacks on homes and schools, libraries and churches, power stations and maternity wards. It has meant a thousand days of torturing prisoners of war, rape as a weapon of war and child abductions.
But for a thousand days, Ukrainians have also bravely defended their country. For a thousand days, they have also defended Finland, Europe – and freedom.
Now we in Finland, too, must answer the question: what is the price of freedom? Do we value freedom more than blood-stained nickel? Do we value freedom more than fertilisers that leave an aftertaste of blood in the grain we grow? Do we value freedom more than fossil gas that burns with a blood-red flame?
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A just peace in Ukraine is possible, but not easy, let alone guaranteed.
It requires tougher sanctions against Russia and its allies, Iran and North Korea. The flow of Western components into the Russian arms industry must be blocked and the shadow fleet that transports Russian oil must be stopped.
A just peace requires more financial support for Ukraine. All stones must be turned to channel the capital of Russia’s frozen funds to the country in full.
But a just peace also requires more military support for Ukraine. The West needs to deliver more air defense systems and other weaponry, and start the production of defensive materiel in Ukraine. Ukraine must also be given permission to defend itself by striking military targets on the aggressor’s soil.
No one wants peace more than the Ukrainians. But that cannot mean peace over the heads of the people of Ukraine.
It cannot mean peace on their knees – or peace of the grave.
Glory to Ukraine!
