Niinistö says that the war can spread, Marin says that relations between Finland and Russia have changed irreversibly
PRESIDENT Sauli Niinistö expressed his concern about the global situation at the annual meeting of heads of missions in Helsinki on Tuesday.
“The war, which is currently limited to Ukraine, can spread further. Other conflicts can also break out around the world, competing for the global attention of NATO countries,” he analyzed and expressed particular concern about the possible escalation of tension in the Taiwan Strait.
China has been conducting large-scale military exercises near the self-ruled island nation, which it considers a rebel province, especially after China’s recent visit to Taiwan. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. On Aug. 2, Pelosi became the highest-ranking U.S. official in more than a quarter of a century to set foot in Taiwan.
On Tuesday, Niinistö also expressed his concern about the threats to the economic and energy situation, considering that they challenge citizens’ resilience. According to him, the energy price increase predicted for next winter measures how complacent and thus weak the public is.
“At the same time, the challenge is our society’s ability and desire to manage the situation and maintain cohesion. Safety is not only an external matter, but also an internal one, he commented.
The president was specifically asked if he is worried about the division of Finns.
“It’s a kind of consolation how Ukrainians are welded together. I hope that it will also be a model for us in tense economic and energy situations”, he said and reminded that the hostility visible on social media is maintained by only a small part of the public.
Finland, he also reminded, cannot start neglecting its own defense capability after joining NATO. “Finnish membership will double NATO’s current border with Russia. It is crucially important for both Finland and NATO that Finland takes care of defending its own territory primarily on its own in the future as well.
Finland’s application to join the defense alliance has already been accepted by 23 of the current 30 members. Ratifications are still needed for the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain and Turkey.
Niinistö also commented on the distant summit hosted by the President of Ukraine later yesterday Volodymyr Zelensky.
“My message is clear: Finland will not forget that Ukraine is not only fighting for its own freedom, but also for European values and principles. Support for Ukraine and Ukrainians will continue as long as necessary, he said.
prime minister Sanna Marin (SDP) considered in its speech to the ambassadors that relations between Finland and Russia cannot be restored to the way they were before the Russian attack on Ukraine.
Marin said that the recent decision to limit the issuance of tourist visas to Russians was aimed at the Russian administration and sends a message that Finland continues to condemn the war in Ukraine.
He stressed that Europe must accept the fact that Russia’s transition from fossil energy will be completed and invest in the green transition.
He praised the cooperation of Finland and Sweden in connection with joining NATO. Marin said that Finland is also developing its relations with Estonia, adding that the world should have been more receptive to the country’s concerns about Russia.
“We’re all part of this family,” he said.
Aleksi Teivainen – HT