Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo emphasized the critical importance of continued international support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
In an interview with Japanese broadcaster NHK, Orpo expressed support for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s intentions to achieve peace in Ukraine but stressed that Ukraine must be part of any negotiations.
“It is crucial that we continue to support Ukraine and strengthen its position,” he stated.
Orpo argued that now is not the time to reduce support for Ukraine but to increase it, sending a clear message to Russian President Vladimir Putin that victory is unattainable, even at the negotiating table.
He also underscored the importance of European nations working together, asserting that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own defense.
Additionally, Orpo highlighted the deployment of North Korean troops on Russian territory, calling it a “very dangerous new development in the war.”
Earlier, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen warned of the growing fatigue among Western countries in providing aid to Ukraine.
Valtonen also argued against imposing neutrality on Ukraine, as was the case in Finland’s post-war history with the Soviet Union in the 1940s, stating that such an approach would not bring a peaceful resolution to the crisis with Russia.
At the start of December, Finland announced its 26th package of defense assistance to Ukraine, which includes winter equipment.
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