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Sauli Niinisto calls on EU nation to hold direct talks with Russia
(MENAFN) Former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö has urged European nations to engage in direct discussions with Russia, following the example of U.S. President Donald Trump, as part of broader efforts to help end the war in Ukraine.
Speaking in an interview with a Finnish broadcaster, Niinistö criticized what he described as Europe’s hesitation to communicate directly with Moscow.
"Europe could also benefit from talking directly with Moscow," he said, adding, "In a situation like this, it might be wise to have those discussions oneself as well. Just like Trump did."
He observed that while European leaders have largely refrained from contacting Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump has maintained dialogue with him — leaving Europe to respond to the results of those conversations.
"(French President Emmanuel) Macron is probably the last one to have called, and before that, (former German) Chancellor Olaf Scholz about a year ago. And he was heavily criticized. I defended him, and I still see a certain absurdity in the fact that Europeans say they will not talk to Putin, a war criminal. But Trump talks to him, and then we go and listen to what you said," he remarked.
Reflecting on his time in office from 2012 to 2024, Niinistö also addressed Europe’s waning role on the global stage. He warned that the continent must act cohesively to prevent being divided by major powers like the United States and China.
He emphasized that Europe’s long-term security relies on strong defense capabilities, comprehensive security strategies, and decisive action on climate challenges.
"Europe must remain Europe and not allow itself to be divided into camps, with some belonging to one side and others to another," he said, stressing the importance of developing a unified “European will.”
Niinistö also called for national security education to be introduced in schools to better prepare younger generations for future geopolitical realities.
Finland, which shares NATO’s longest border with Russia — approximately 1,300 kilometers (808 miles) — has a complex history with its eastern neighbor, including the 1939–1940 Winter War, when Soviet forces invaded Finland early in World War II.
Speaking in an interview with a Finnish broadcaster, Niinistö criticized what he described as Europe’s hesitation to communicate directly with Moscow.
"Europe could also benefit from talking directly with Moscow," he said, adding, "In a situation like this, it might be wise to have those discussions oneself as well. Just like Trump did."
He observed that while European leaders have largely refrained from contacting Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump has maintained dialogue with him — leaving Europe to respond to the results of those conversations.
"(French President Emmanuel) Macron is probably the last one to have called, and before that, (former German) Chancellor Olaf Scholz about a year ago. And he was heavily criticized. I defended him, and I still see a certain absurdity in the fact that Europeans say they will not talk to Putin, a war criminal. But Trump talks to him, and then we go and listen to what you said," he remarked.
Reflecting on his time in office from 2012 to 2024, Niinistö also addressed Europe’s waning role on the global stage. He warned that the continent must act cohesively to prevent being divided by major powers like the United States and China.
He emphasized that Europe’s long-term security relies on strong defense capabilities, comprehensive security strategies, and decisive action on climate challenges.
"Europe must remain Europe and not allow itself to be divided into camps, with some belonging to one side and others to another," he said, stressing the importance of developing a unified “European will.”
Niinistö also called for national security education to be introduced in schools to better prepare younger generations for future geopolitical realities.
Finland, which shares NATO’s longest border with Russia — approximately 1,300 kilometers (808 miles) — has a complex history with its eastern neighbor, including the 1939–1940 Winter War, when Soviet forces invaded Finland early in World War II.
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