Yesterday at 22:06
Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said that Vladimir Putin’s statement about Russia being ready to go to war with Europe “even today” is an attempt to intimidate Europe and should not be taken “too seriously.”
She commented on the remarks ahead of the NATO Foreign Affairs Council meeting on December 3 in Brussels, UATV English reports.
“This is rhetoric used by Russia to frighten us. We should not take such talk too seriously. We have very strong capabilities as NATO and as Europe, and we are strengthening them every day,” Valtonen stressed.
The minister added that Russia is weakening, while desperately trying to use pressure to secure favorable terms for itself.
Valtonen emphasized that Russia does not want peace, as it has rejected all compromises and made no concessions.
According to her, the best first step for confidence-building in peace talks would be at least a halt to the bombing of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, if not a full ceasefire — a move that would also prevent deliberate civilian casualties.
She underscored that NATO countries must continue supporting Ukraine in defending its sovereignty and said she looks forward to Ukraine’s future membership in the Alliance:
“It will not be tomorrow, but someday it will happen,” she noted, calling it in NATO’s interests.
Valtonen also highlighted the “constructive” efforts of the United States and Secretary of State Marco Rubio aimed at achieving peace in Ukraine.
She stressed that any peace agreement must not only halt hostilities but also ensure Ukraine is strong enough to resist future threats, including political interference, which Russia is actively counting on.
A meeting of NATO foreign ministers is taking place in Brussels on December 3.
