The President of Finland has expressed support for Ukraine’s strikes on Russian territory
In an interview with the Financial Times, Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated that NATO leaders support an intensification of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian territory. According to him, the allies regard this as part of efforts aimed at increasing pressure on Moscow and bringing it back to the negotiating table.
Stubb noted that all Alliance leaders understand the reasons behind Ukraine’s actions.
“I think all NATO leaders understand why Ukraine is doing this. Everyone believes that we need to continue to step up the pressure,” said the Finnish President.
He also stated that Ukraine’s successful strikes have changed the strategic outlook on the war among Western partners, particularly the US, and strengthened Kyiv’s negotiating position.
“We are in a fairly good position with regard to Ukraine, because everyone, including our American friends, can see that Ukraine currently has the upper hand on the battlefield. This has also changed the strategic thinking of those trying to act as mediators in the peace process,” said Stubb.
According to him, Ukraine is now in its strongest military, political and financial position since the start of the full-scale war.
Stubb emphasised that Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory have brought the war closer to Russian society. In his view, a shift in public opinion in Russia could be one of the factors contributing to a return to negotiations.
The President of Finland also acknowledged that the risk of escalation remains. He reported that he had discussed this issue with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who, according to Stubb, had expressed a clear stance on the inadmissibility of nuclear escalation.
At the same time, Stubb stated that Europe must be prepared for new hybrid attacks from Russia, particularly in the event of a possible ceasefire. He also suggested that, once the war is over, Russia will rebuild its military capabilities, particularly in northern Europe.
Separately, the Finnish President commented on the prospects of Ukraine’s NATO membership. According to him, the quickest way to bring Ukraine closer to the Alliance is to integrate its defence industry with that of NATO countries. He noted that he himself would support Ukraine’s immediate accession to the Alliance, but acknowledged that the political conditions for this do not currently exist.
Stubb added that Ukraine’s combat experience, as well as its capabilities in the field of unmanned systems and missile weapons, are among the strongest among Alliance member states. In his view, bringing Ukraine closer to NATO will strengthen the Alliance’s own defence and deterrence.
