Finnish president calls for stronger Ukraine aid, tougher Russia sanctions
During the Munich Security Conference, Finnish President Alexander Stubb presented his stance on the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. He called for intensified military assistance to Ukraine and stricter sanctions on Russia before the start of peace talks.
President Stubb, during his speech at the conference, emphasized that strengthening the Ukrainian army and imposing stricter sanctions on Russia, including freezing its assets, are crucial. According to the Finnish leader, these are necessary steps before starting peace negotiations.
On the third day of the conference, the President of Finland, along with Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics and Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir, discussed security in Europe. The talks were held in the context of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Helsinki Final Act, which later led to the formation of the OSCE.
Prospects for monitoring a ceasefire
President Stubb presented the possibility of monitoring a potential ceasefire line by the UN or OSCE. He emphasized that it would not be a peace operation, but an observation mission. He also proposed appointing a special European representative for Ukraine and peace talks, citing former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari as a model.
The Finnish president also shared information from talks with American senators who suggested that renewed Russian aggression against Ukraine could result in Ukraine's NATO membership. Stubb assessed this proposal as a good deterrent but noted that it is still too early for such a solution.
Positions of other conference participants
Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics supported the Finnish leader's stance. He highlighted the need to increase the effectiveness of the European Union's actions, especially in the context of increasingly transactional relations with the United States.
Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir stressed the importance of including both Ukraine and Europe in the negotiation process. Referring to security issues in the Arctic, she noted Iceland's NATO membership while ruling out plans to join the EU.
The United States assures Ukraine of support
During the Munich Security Conference, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The main topic of the talks was ending the war in Ukraine.
Vance emphasized that the United States aims to achieve lasting peace. President Zelensky expressed gratitude for U.S. support and highlighted the urgent need for security guarantees for Ukraine. He emphasized the necessity of developing a plan to stop Putin.
The meeting also included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Gen. Keith Kellogg, and representatives from the Ukrainian side—Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak and Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna. The politicians announced further meetings.
