CMI continues to actively work for peace in Ukraine

Published on Friday, 4th of March 2022

CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation has supported dialogue for peace both in and around Ukraine since 2014. CMI continues to actively work in Ukraine, although some of our experts have been evacuated. CMI held a special briefing on Ukraine for its private donors and other partners on Wednesday.

Sinikukka Saari, Leading Researcher at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA), and CMI’s Programme Director Ville Brummer (right). Photo: Maria Santto/CMI.

The broader implications of the war between Russia and Ukraine were discussed at the briefing by Sinikukka Saari, Leading Researcher at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA) and by CMI’s Programme Director Ville Brummer.

Earlier mechanisms for conflict resolution in Ukraine are not designed for the scale of events we are now facing. There is a need to agree on humanitarian access and assistance, ceasefire and eventual political settlement. This work requires channels of communication, willingness to seek peaceful options, and understanding of limitations and opportunities of parties to consider different options.

The situation in Ukraine is dire and it has an impact beyond Ukraine’s borders. The UN has warned that the war could force some four million Ukrainians to flee the country. The economic implications of the war could trigger further instability and undermine food security of millions of people. The deteriorating geopolitical situation could also exacerbate wider tensions.

CMI’s donor Yrjö Kopra took an active part in the discussion on Ukraine. Photo: Maria Santto/CMI.

CMI’s CEO Janne Taalas stressed that CMI is deeply concerned that conflicts are increasingly attempted to be ended through the use of force. “This underlines how efforts to prevent and resolve conflicts through mediation and dialogue are needed now more than ever.”

Capability of multilateral organisations to deal with violent conflicts is challenged by increasing geopolitical tensions, said Brummer. This is why independent organisations like CMI have an increasingly crucial role to play. CMI’s enduring vision is that all conflicts can be resolved.