A statement jointly issued on Sunday by Finnish president Sauli Niinisto and the Finnish government condemned the rocket attacks on Mariupol, Ukraine.

The statement said that Finland is deeply concerned about the escalation of the conflict in eastern Ukraine and strongly condemns the strikes against the civilians in Mariupol.

President Niinisto and the cabinet called on all parties involved in the conflict to calm down the situation.

It also emphasized that Russia should use its influence to ease military conflict in eastern Ukraine in line with its international commitments.

The Ukraine police said rebels launched heavy rocket attacks on Mariupol,a coastal city in Ukraine, on Saturday, leaving at least 30 people dead and nearly 100 injured.