Prime Minister Petteri Orpo at Yle’s Prime Minister’s interview hour at Kesäranta in Helsinki on Sunday, 27 April 2025. Photo: Vesa Moilanen / Lehtikuva
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Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) has urged Western allies to increase pressure on Russia, warning that President Vladimir Putin has shown no willingness to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.
Speaking on Yle Radio Suomi on Sunday, Orpo said the United States, European Union, and other allies must step up sanctions and military support for Ukraine.
“Russia is continuing its attacks. The only way forward is for the West and like-minded nations to increase pressure and help Ukraine defend itself,” Orpo said.
He added that Europe is preparing a new package of sanctions, while the United States already has what he described as “a very tough sanctions package ready.” Orpo said he hopes Washington will recognise that Russia is “playing for time” and implement those sanctions soon.
The remarks followed his recent visit to Kyiv, during which he met with Ukrainian officials and viewed some of the destruction caused by the war.
“The level of suffering is shocking,” Orpo said, adding that his visit reinforced the need for further Western commitment to Ukraine’s defence.
Orpo also defended his visit to a Hesburger food processing facility near Kyiv, which drew criticism in Finland after images circulated showing the prime minister sampling hamburgers during a time of missile strikes on Ukrainian cities.
“This visit was part of a wider programme to support Ukrainian businesses and daily life,” Orpo said. “It’s strange that this has become the main topic. People in Ukraine want to live a normal life despite the war, and we want to support that.”
The programme was organised by Finland’s foreign ministry and included several engagements with Ukrainian civil society and business sectors.
Turning to defence policy, Orpo addressed Finland’s military spending ahead of a Nato summit set to take place after midsummer.
According to Orpo, Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte has proposed that member states allocate 3.5 percent of GDP to defence, along with an additional 1.5 percent for related investments.
“These figures are now part of the discussion. We will know more at the summit,” Orpo said.
He acknowledged that the financial burden is considerable but described it as essential.
“If our defence capability is not sufficient, we are putting the safety of the entire nation at risk,” Orpo said.
Finland’s defence spending is expected to increase sharply in the coming years following its accession to Nato in 2023. The country has already committed to exceeding the alliance’s 2 percent GDP target.
The interview was the last of Orpo’s scheduled prime ministerial media sessions for the spring. It was conducted by journalists Elina Kervinen (Helsingin Sanomat), Markus Mäki (Uutissuomalainen), and Päivi Lakka (Yle), and moderated by Matti Koivisto.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
