Mr Timo Soini, Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, today made the following statement:
“I am deeply concerned about the current situation in the Sea of Azov and Kerch Strait following the grave incidents that took place yesterday.
The Committee of Ministers has repeatedly condemned the illegal annexation by the Russian Federation of Crimea which challenges peace and democratic security in Europe.
I call for utmost restraint with a view to de-escalating the situation immediately and avoiding further casualties.
I recall the Committee of Ministers’ commitment to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders.”
