Ukraine's situation is critical, but better than three months ago - President of Finland
President of Finland Alexander Stubb (photo: Getty Images)
As of now, the situation in Ukraine is critical. However, it is better than it was three months ago, states the President of Finland Alexander Stubb.
He made the statement in the program “Hour with the President”, where he answered questions from the audience. As noted, most of the questions concerned Finland's relations with Russia and the war in Ukraine.
“The situation is critical, but for Ukraine, the situation looks better than it did three months ago,” Stubb said.
The President noted that it is difficult to predict the end of the war, which has been going on for more than 2.5 years. However, he positively assessed the beginning of talks about peace.
Stubb emphasized that the conditions for peace put forward by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy include the return of territories, security assurances, prosecution of war criminals, and the reconstruction of the country.
At the same time, Stubb pointed out that Finland has chosen its side, which in turn complicates the task of mediating the negotiations.
He assured that Finland would support Ukraine for as long as it is needed.
The audience also asked Mr. Stubb why Ukraine is restricted from using Western weapons to strike at Russian territory. He replied that there should be no such restrictions if Ukraine is acting within the framework of self-defense and international law, but that strikes should avoid civilian objects.
Also during the program, the president expressed the opinion that Russia is the number one threat to Finland's security. However, there is no cause for concern at the moment.
He predicts that we should prepare for a period of uncertainty in relations with Russia. Stubb noted that hybrid operations by Russia will become more frequent. He cited information campaigns, the situation on the border, and even possible acts of sabotage as examples of such influence.
