Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen outlined three key pillars of Western strategy to pressure Russia into a ceasefire in Ukraine: supporting Ukraine, maintaining sanctions against Russia, and strengthening the West’s own defense capabilities.
Speaking Wednesday morning at the NATO summit in The Hague, Valtonen emphasized that NATO countries remain unwavering in their support for Ukraine and are committed to ending the war.
“Right now, only Putin refuses to stop the fighting, and this is the time to force him to do so. Our strategy consists of three elements. First, strengthening our own defense and deterrence for the security of the free world. Second, putting pressure on Russia,” she said.
She noted that this pressure must be applied collectively, for example through the European Union, but also individually by countries like the United States. She expressed hope that the U.S. Senate would consider a new sanctions package against Russia next week.
“And third, of course, we must continue to support Ukraine, which is fighting on behalf of all of us,” Valtonen added.
Asked whether there are concerns that Ukraine is being forgotten, the minister stressed,
“No one is forgetting Ukraine.”
She also highlighted a productive meeting the previous day with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, and noted that a meeting between the foreign ministers of the Nordic countries and Ukraine was taking place in The Hague on Wednesday.
“We are unwavering in our commitment to further strengthening Ukraine in its defense of freedom, independence, and the democratic values it upholds for every ally,” Valtonen concluded.
