Finland’s Main Opposition Party Supports EU Stance on Russia and Ukraine

Juha Sipila, the leader of Finland's Center Party that is leading in the parliament election, said Sunday he is supportive of the European Union's stance toward Russia in light of the Ukrainian crisis.

HELSINKI (Sputnik) – Sipila's Center Party is reportedly aiming to take 46 seats in the country's parliament, while Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb's National Coalition Party (NCP) is expected to secure 37 seats.

"We are part of the Western world and the European Union, and we support the EU policy concerning the [Ukrainian] crisis," Sipila told journalists.

The European Union, as well as the United States and other Western nations, has imposed several rounds of sanctions on Russia over its alleged involvement in escalating tensions in Ukraine. Moscow has repeatedly denied any part in the conflict in Ukraine and always urged for its peaceful settlement.

According to the Finnish Yle broadcaster, the Center Party is leading with 21.7 percent of the votes in its favor. The NCP is following with 17.8 percent.

The turnout at the election was 70 percent, according to Yle.