Tuesday, 02 January 2024 12:17 GMT

Russia Playing 'Dangerous Game' By Probing Europe's Support For Ukraine, Finnish PM Says


(MENAFN- UkrinForm) Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said this ahead of the European Arctic Summit, which is being held in Rovaniemi, Finland, on September 14, Ukrinform reports.

“This means that we have to do even more to support Ukraine. We need to impose more sanctions on Russia, stop the shadow fleet's operations, and so on,” the Finnish prime minister said.

He stressed that Russia remains a permanent threat to the whole of Europe.

“One day, when the war ends in Ukraine, it is clear that Russia will move their military forces to our border, and other European borders,” the Finnish Prime Minister said.

According to Orpo, Moscow is making a mistake if it is trying to use its attacks to test European countries' unity in supporting Kyiv.

“It's wrong strategy from Russia. If they think they can probe our unity in supporting Ukraine, it's wrong. Because it means that we have to do even more to support Ukraine... This is a very dangerous game they are playing now,” he said.

The Finnish Prime Minister also noted that the Arctic is highly important for Europe's prosperity and security. According to him, countries need a shared understanding of the situation and a clear strategy for strengthening the Arctic region. He stressed the importance of the region's natural resources and new maritime routes opening up due to climate change, as well as the need to address existing threats.

“We need concrete actions how to strengthen our connections, how to secure our use of critical minerals. We need better military mobility and we need, for example, icebreaking capacity,” the Prime Minister said.

He added that Finland is ready to contribute to the joint efforts of European countries in the region.

Read also: Russia re-opening Soviet-era military bases in Arctic, Kallas says

As reported by Ukrinform, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said that Europe must not give in to Russian intimidation but should instead step up its support for Ukraine.

Photo: Finnish Government

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