Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen. LEHTIKUVA / AFP
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Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said Finland will not initiate contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin, arguing that such outreach would be premature while the war in Ukraine continues.
Speaking on Yle’s Saturday morning programme Ykkösaamu, Valtonen stated that no European leaders currently see value in calling Putin.
“Russia does not respect agreements it signs. Russia respects only strength,” she said.
Valtonen dismissed the idea that Finland could act as a neutral mediator in future dialogue between the West and Moscow. Instead, she said Finland should promote European interests directly and supported the role of President Alexander Stubb in representing those interests.
Stubb said earlier in the week that Finland must “mentally prepare” for the eventual restoration of relations with Russia. Valtonen clarified that this would only be relevant after significant changes in Russia’s behaviour and intentions.
“No meaningful actions have been seen. Not even words,” Valtonen said, referring to Moscow’s ongoing war in Ukraine and its rejection of international norms.
Valtonen said there was no discussion during last week’s NATO foreign ministers’ meeting about reopening channels with the Kremlin. She reaffirmed Finland’s commitment to sanctions, calling for a stronger economic pressure campaign.
“The Russian economy cannot sustain this war indefinitely. Circumventing sanctions is expensive,” she said.
Valtonen called for a new sanctions package and encouraged countries imposing restrictions to remain patient and increase pressure.
She said internal discontent in Russia is growing as consumer prices rise. In her view, economic pain may eventually shift the Kremlin’s calculus.
Valtonen also addressed trade tensions between the EU and the United States. She said new tariffs imposed by the US, including a 20 percent duty on EU goods, were likely an opening bid in negotiations rather than a long-term trade strategy.
“Europe has the option of counter-tariffs, but a tariff war is not a desirable outcome,” Valtonen said.
She stated that Finland, as a small country, benefits most from a world without trade barriers.
Turning to domestic policy, Valtonen backed the government’s plan to increase defence spending to at least three percent of GDP by 2029. She said this would be financed through long-term tax revenue rather than new debt.
“Security and defence must be the priority,” she said.
Valtonen also defended Finland’s NATO membership, calling it a success and stating that the alliance has met expectations since Finland joined in 2023.
While Finland has historically been viewed as a bridge between East and West, Valtonen stressed that the country’s role is now firmly aligned with the Euro-Atlantic community.
“There is no room for neutrality when facing an aggressor,” she said.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
