Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen stated that Putin’s claim that Russia is ready to go to war with Europe at any moment is an attempt to intimidate Europe and should not be taken “too seriously.”
Valtonen made the remarks ahead of the NATO Foreign Ministers’ meeting on Wednesday, December 3, in Brussels.
“This is rhetoric Russia uses to scare us. We should not take such statements too seriously. NATO and Europe have very strong capabilities, and we are strengthening them every day,” emphasized the Finnish minister.
She added that, on the contrary, Russia is weakening and desperately hoping to pressure others into granting favorable conditions for itself.
Valtonen stressed that Russia does not genuinely want peace, as it rejects all compromises and has made no concessions. According to her, the best step to build trust during peace negotiations would be, if not a full ceasefire, at least a halt to the bombing of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which would also ensure no deliberate civilian casualties.
The Finnish minister noted that NATO countries must continue supporting Ukraine’s ability to defend its sovereignty. She expressed anticipation for Ukraine’s future NATO membership, stating,
“It won’t be tomorrow, but it will happen someday,” as it is in NATO’s interest.
Valtonen also highlighted the “constructive” efforts of the U.S. and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to achieve peace in Ukraine.
She emphasized that any peace agreements must not only include the cessation of hostilities but also ensure that Ukraine becomes strong enough to resist not only any future military invasion but also any political interference that Russia hopes to exert.
