OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen assured of continued support for Ukraine in various areas "for as long as it is needed," and also pointed out the need for a strong position of Kyiv to establish a just and lasting peace.

"Finland remains as committed as ever to supporting Ukraine. The road to a just and lasting peace requires a Ukrainian position of strength. Simultaneously, we continue to raise the cost of Russia's war of aggression through sanctions, limiting the 'shadow fleet' and other means," Valtonen said at a press conference with her Ukrainian counterpart Andriy Sybiha, according to an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent.

She said Finland has been one of Ukraine's most ardent supporters from the very beginning, both militarily, politically and economically.

"And we will be doing so for as long as it is needed," the minister said.

According to Valtonen, Finland is working very actively with other partner countries, EU and NATO countries to stop Russia's actions, as well as its "shadow fleet."

The head of the Foreign Ministry said Finland recently detained a tanker from "shadow fleet" and is currently studying legal and other conditions for better protection of infrastructure located in international maritime zones.

"The aggression that the Russian Federation is posing towards Ukraine, but also the rest of the civilized world adhering to rules, is not a force of nature that wouldn't be – or that couldn't be stopped. On the very contrary, together, and showing unity, decisiveness, and also the courage that the Ukrainian people have been showing on the battlefield, but also at home, is something which will stop that aggression," Valtonen said.

She said this was her second trip to Kyiv and pointed out that today she had the opportunity to personally see what the cruelty of war means for children. Thus, the minister visited the Okhmatdyt children's hospital, which was attacked earlier by Russia.