Finnish Foreign Minister on negotiations with Russia: Conversation should be postponed
Photo: Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen stated that the time for normalizing relations with Russia has not yet come, so now is not the time to call Kremlin head Vladimir Putin. Supporting Ukraine, easing sanctions against Russia, and strengthening defense remain Finland's priorities.
“It is obvious that the United States is negotiating with Russia, and at some point Europe will also enter into a dialogue. However, what is more important is not when and who will speak, but what we seek to achieve through such a conversation,” she said.
According to the Finnish Foreign Minister, the news of a ballistic missile hitting a civilian object (referring to the attack on Kryvyi Rih - ed.), which led to the death of children, “indicates that the conversation should be postponed.”
The minister also emphasized that Finland does not consider Russia an enemy, but opposes its actions and violations of international law.
“We hope for good neighborly relations, but this time has not yet come. It all depends on when Russia begins to demonstrate a desire to return to the international treaty system,” Valtonen emphasized.
The Finnish minister said that until this happens, it would be premature to talk about normalizing relations.
“We have to discuss this issue with our European partners, but as I said, now is not the time (for normalization - ed.). Instead, we need to continue our strategy of supporting Ukraine, weakening Russia with sanctions and strengthening our own defense,” she stated.
Finland in NATO and the threat to the country from Russia
Finland is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The country joined NATO on April 4, 2023.
Last year, Finland stated that Russia was the most serious threat to Finland's national security. It resorts to espionage and hybrid influence.
At the same time, Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen believes that Russia will continue to pose a threat to European countries even after the war in Ukraine is over. Moscow may use military force against Europe.
Against this background, Finland plans to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines, as well as to increase overall defense spending in the coming years.
