Countries in Europe need to transition to a "wartime economy," consolidate orders for ammunition and weapons, and develop the defense industry in the long term. President of Finland Alexander Stubb made this statement, as reported by The Japan Times.
"According to him, Europe needs to transition to a wartime economy, consolidating orders for ammunition and weapons to provide long-term prospects for its defense industry," the report said.
Stubb also urged Europe to bolster its support to Ukraine while also building up its own defense capabilities in traditional military as well as against Russia’s hybrid warfare.
Ukraine needs both material help — which includes financial assistance — and political support, including firming up a path toward a membership in both the EU and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, according to Stubb.
Stubb also noted that the European Investment Bank (EIB) should "go beyond its red lines" and more energetically finance the military industry. Furthermore, Europe should create a guide on how to counter hybrid attacks, said the President of Finland.
"What Russia tries to do with hybrid attacks is get us to overreact or react differently,” Stubb said, adding that attributing hybrid operations can also help put an end to them. "If you deny it or keep it under the radar, then I think Russia will just continue doing it.”
He will foresee both plans for launching systems after attacks and optimization of communications to create a unified front against the Kremlin.
Cyberattacks, GPS jamming, airspace violations, and weaponizing immigration are some forms of Russian hybrid warfare that Finland has experienced in recent months along with most other NATO Eastern flank countries, the president noted.
