It’s not the time to call Putin. The Finnish Minister of Foreign Affairs has spoken out about negotiations with Russia

The time for normalizing relations with Russia has not yet come, so now is not the time to call the Kremlin head, Vladimir Putin. Support for Ukraine, easing sanctions on Russia, and strengthening defense remain Finland’s priorities.

This was stated by Finland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, as reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing Yle.

“Obviously, the United States is in talks with Russia, and at some point, Europe will also enter into dialogue. However, what is more important is not when and who will speak, but what we aim to achieve through such a conversation,” she said.

According to the Finnish foreign minister, news of a ballistic missile hitting a civilian object (referring to the attack on Kryvyi Rih, – ed.), which resulted in the deaths 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 that time has not yet come. Everything depends on when Russia starts to show a willingness to return to the international treaty system,” Valtonen stressed.

The Finnish minister stated that as long as this does not happen, it would be premature to talk about the normalization of relations.

“We need to discuss this issue with our European partners, but, as I said, now is not the time (for normalization, – ed.). Instead, we must continue our strategy – supporting Ukraine, weakening Russia through sanctions, and strengthening our own defense,” she concluded.

Finland in NATO and the threat from Russia to the country

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 is the most serious threat to Finland’s national security. Russia resorts to espionage and hybrid influence.

At the same time, Finland’s Minister of Defense, Antti Häkkänen, believes that Russia will continue to be a threat to European countries even after the war in Ukraine ends. Moscow may use military force against Europe.

Against this backdrop, Finland plans to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines and increase overall defense spending in the coming years.

Nataliya Gurkovska

Tags: Ukraine world about ukraine