Putin understands only force, says Finnish Foreign Minister amid rising Russia threat
Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen states that Russia poses a long-term and existential threat not only to Europe but also to global peace, according to WELT.
According to Valtonen, the West must begin strengthening its defenses now and be prepared for war — not in order to wage one, but to be able to defend itself.
"To become ready for war as quickly as possible — not to wage war, but to defend ourselves, to be able to project strength," she added.
She emphasized that "unfortunately, this is the only language Putin understands." The minister also stressed the importance of supporting Ukraine.
Valtonen noted that Ukrainians want to live in peace, free from corruption, as an independent nation aligned with the European system of values. In her view, Europe must do everything it can to help make that possible.
"They've decided they finally want to live without corruption, in peace, independently — and that they can aspire to a European way of life. We must give people that," the minister stated.
Finland in NATO and the ongoing threat from Russia
Finland became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on April 4, 2023.
Even last year, Finnish authorities identified Russia as the most serious threat to the country's national security, citing espionage and hybrid influence operations carried out by Moscow.
Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen has stated that Russia will remain a threat to European countries even after the war in Ukraine ends. According to him, Moscow could resort to military force against Europe.
Finland is planning to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel landmines and intends to increase overall defense spending in the coming years.
