Russia said that the upcoming NATO military exercises in Finland near its borders increase the risks of potential military incidents and escalation of the hybrid war against Moscow.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb called on European countries to focus on immediate assistance to Ukraine and training of their armed forces, rather than speculation about potential Russian aggression outside Ukraine.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that Ukraine has the right to strike legitimate military targets outside its territory in self-defense against russian invasion, in accordance with the UN Charter.
President of Finland Alexander Stubb said that the only way to achieve peace in Ukraine is on the battlefield, as Russian President Vladimir Putin understands only the language of force.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb said that those who attack oil refineries in Russia know what they are doing and do it skillfully, as Russia understands only the language of power and force, not diplomacy.
Ukraine wants its military brigades to be fully manned and equipped with modern weapons to defend itself and gain an advantage over Russian forces, which have no superiority on the ground or in the air.
Finland does not plan to send troops to Ukraine, but supports Ukraine through military aid packages, including air defense systems and ammunition, and supports Ukraine's membership in the EU and NATO.
President of Finland Alexander Stubb visited the destroyed Antonov airport in Gostomel, where Ukrainian soldiers showed him the sites of fierce battles and the remains of the world's largest transport aircraft, Mriya, destroyed by Russian occupiers.
Ukraine does not need to mobilize half a million people, but the exact number needed will not be announced publicly as russia prepares to mobilize 300,000 additional soldiers on June 1, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
Finland has announced a €188 million aid package for Ukraine, including air defense systems and artillery ammunition.
According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia is preparing to mobilize 300,000 additional troops for a possible new offensive against Ukraine on June 1.
Ukraine and Finland signed an agreement on security cooperation, according to which Finland provides long-term military, financial, and other assistance to Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression.
The NATO Secretary General says that the upcoming NATO summit in Washington will be a "step up" for Ukraine, after discussing support for Ukraine with the Finnish President and preparations for the summit.
Finland will participate for the first time in NATO's Nordic Response 2024 as a full member of the Alliance.
Finland's new president said that having a real nuclear deterrent is important for the country's security as a NATO member.
Zelenskyy met with newly elected President Alexander Stubb at the Munich Security Conference, thanked him for condemning Russian aggression, and informed him of Ukraine's defense priorities and the importance of Finland's support for Ukraine's path to NATO.
The newly elected President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, said that he sees no point in meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin because of Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine.
Former Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb received the most votes (27. 2%) in the first round of the presidential election in Finland. He will face former Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto (25.8% of the vote) in the second round on February 11.