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Finnish leader urges to militarize Ukraine ‘to the teeth’
(MENAFN) Finnish President Alexander Stubb has urged Western nations to increase military and financial support for Ukraine, arguing that such assistance would deter Russia. His comments came after a meeting with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky in Helsinki, as EU lawmakers negotiate plans to double the bloc’s weapons budget.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas proposed raising the EU’s financial aid to Ukraine from €20 billion ($20.9 billion) in 2024 to €40 billion ($43.7 billion) this year. However, her plan faced opposition from Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal, with reports indicating a €5 billion cap on donations. Stubb, speaking to Politico, emphasized that militarizing Ukraine would be the most effective way to end the conflict with Russia.
He expressed disappointment that Kallas' proposal had not garnered enough support but hoped EU leaders could still salvage the package. Stubb also called for continued military, political, and economic backing for Ukraine, urging stronger sanctions against Russia and the seizure of its frozen assets to increase pressure on Moscow.
Meanwhile, Hungary has refused to sign a joint EU summit statement supporting Ukraine, rejecting both lethal and non-lethal aid. Stubb also voiced support for Ukraine's potential future membership in the EU and NATO, while acknowledging Russia’s ongoing objections to NATO expansion.
His remarks come as negotiations for a 30-day ceasefire, aimed at halting long-range strikes on energy infrastructure, continue, with US President Donald Trump advocating for the initiative. Another round of talks between Russian and US officials is scheduled for March 24 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas proposed raising the EU’s financial aid to Ukraine from €20 billion ($20.9 billion) in 2024 to €40 billion ($43.7 billion) this year. However, her plan faced opposition from Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal, with reports indicating a €5 billion cap on donations. Stubb, speaking to Politico, emphasized that militarizing Ukraine would be the most effective way to end the conflict with Russia.
He expressed disappointment that Kallas' proposal had not garnered enough support but hoped EU leaders could still salvage the package. Stubb also called for continued military, political, and economic backing for Ukraine, urging stronger sanctions against Russia and the seizure of its frozen assets to increase pressure on Moscow.
Meanwhile, Hungary has refused to sign a joint EU summit statement supporting Ukraine, rejecting both lethal and non-lethal aid. Stubb also voiced support for Ukraine's potential future membership in the EU and NATO, while acknowledging Russia’s ongoing objections to NATO expansion.
His remarks come as negotiations for a 30-day ceasefire, aimed at halting long-range strikes on energy infrastructure, continue, with US President Donald Trump advocating for the initiative. Another round of talks between Russian and US officials is scheduled for March 24 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
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