Finland’s president urges Europe to hold its nerve, and honestly, it’s a message that resonates deeply right now, especially given the complex situation in Ukraine. It’s a call for composure in the face of what looks like a prolonged and difficult situation, suggesting a ceasefire isn’t on the immediate horizon. And coming from Finland, a nation with a keen understanding of Russian behavior, that message carries extra weight. They know the neighborhood.
What’s striking is the sense that Europe might be underestimating the long game here. There’s a feeling that some in Europe are perhaps hoping for a quick resolution, or that they haven’t fully grasped the scale of the challenge.… Continue reading
Finnish President Alexander Stubb predicts that a ceasefire in Ukraine is unlikely to be achieved by spring, emphasizing the need for European allies to support Kyiv despite the ongoing corruption scandal. Stubb believes that achieving peace will require addressing security guarantees, economic restoration, and territorial disputes. He called for increased pressure on Russia, suggesting using frozen Russian assets as collateral to finance Ukraine, and also sees himself as a potential intermediary between US President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.
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Finland’s Defence Minister, Antti Häkkänen, asserts that successfully countering Russia’s aggression in Ukraine is crucial for deterring China in the Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing the global consequences of the ongoing conflict. He highlights the importance of unwavering Western resolve, citing China’s keen observation of the West’s commitment. Häkkänen advocates for a three-pronged approach to ending the war: strengthened sanctions, increased military aid to Ukraine, and the use of long-range weapons. He suggests that any perceived weakness would embolden China, which is already supporting Russia.
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Finland gets it, plain and simple. Their foreign minister’s message to the West cuts right through the noise. It’s a call for strength, not surrender, for Ukraine. It’s a recognition that simply offering concessions, or encouraging a truce that benefits Russia, only buys time for Russia to rearm and become an even greater threat.
The core of the matter is that Russia understands only strength. Concessions are just a temporary measure, a pause for them to digest what they learned from invading Ukraine, and rebuild their forces to be even more dangerous. This message feels like a direct challenge to certain powers that might be inclined to push for a peace that doesn’t fully hold Russia accountable, a peace that might even involve giving up Ukrainian territory.… Continue reading
Finland proposes €200 billion Russian asset transfer to Ukraine to force Kremlin toward peace, and this idea, this proposal, immediately strikes me as a bold move, a gamble even, but one that could potentially have a massive impact. It’s essentially using the Kremlin’s own money, frozen assets, to fund the very country it’s been at war with. The immediate instinct is a resounding “Just do it already!” It’s tempting to think of it as a simple solution, a financial slap in the face designed to make the aggressor feel the pinch where it hurts most: the pocketbook. Money talks, and in this context, it could very well be the key to peace.… Continue reading
Finland draws line — Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk oblasts are Ukraine’s, not Russia’s, and that’s a clear statement of principle. It’s a significant stance, especially coming from a country that shares a border with Russia and understands the complexities of the situation. This declaration essentially labels Russia’s actions as a violation of international law and a direct infringement on Ukraine’s sovereignty. It’s an important message to send, not just to Russia, but also to the world, reinforcing the idea that land grabs through military force are unacceptable.
Now, the natural question that arises is: what concrete actions follow this declaration? Saying that those regions belong to Ukraine is one thing, but translating that into tangible support and outcomes is where the real challenge lies.… Continue reading
As a key voice in Europe’s response to the war in Ukraine, Finland’s President Alexander Stubb, in an interview, discussed President Trump’s stance on the conflict, noting that Trump’s latest statements should be taken seriously. Stubb views this as a collaborative effort, not an abandonment, with Europe and the U.S. working together on financial and military support, as well as sanctions. The president also addressed Russia’s airspace violations, viewing them as tests of the West, and emphasized the importance of Ukraine approaching peace talks from a position of strength, backed by security guarantees and sufficient military resources. Finally, Stubb asserted that Finland is a major contributor to Ukraine’s support, and with its significant military capabilities, it contributes to covering the eastern flank.
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President Alexander Stubb of Finland addressed the UN General Assembly, advocating for significant reforms to the UN, including the elimination of veto power for permanent Security Council members due to the current fragmented and violent global order. He condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine and Israel’s violations of international law, while also calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. Stubb welcomed statements from former US President Donald Trump regarding NATO’s stance on Russian airspace violations. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of European coordination against Russia and acknowledged the increasing influence of non-Western nations in global governance.
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The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports that high-ranking Russian officials are escalating threats against Finland, mirroring tactics used before the invasion of Ukraine. Key figures like Sergei Lavrov and Dmitry Medvedev have made alarming statements, with Lavrov accusing Finland of shedding its neutrality and Medvedev falsely suggesting Finland is preparing to attack Russia. The ISW believes this rhetoric, similar to the pre-invasion strategy in Ukraine, is a coordinated Kremlin effort. This developing situation warrants close monitoring, particularly given Finland’s recent NATO membership and Article 5’s commitment to collective defense.
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Finland’s Defence Forces are closely monitoring the Zapad-2025 military exercises conducted by Russia and Belarus amid heightened security concerns, as highlighted by General Janne Jaakkola. These exercises, occurring against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and efforts to destabilize Western nations, demonstrate Russia’s objectives and available resources. Jaakkola pointed out the potential for the exercises to be a basis for future actions, drawing parallels to the Zapad-21 exercises that preceded the war in Ukraine, while emphasizing the potential for “unexpected turns” during Zapad-2025. In response to the exercises, Poland and Latvia have already taken steps to close their borders with Belarus and Russia.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker