Finland calls on EU to increase defense investments to deter Russia
Фото: Kimmo Penttinen/Lehtikuva/IMAGO
The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland, Elina Maria Valtonen, called on European countries to invest more in defense to contain the threat from Russia.
DW reports this information.
"I am ready to expect everything from Putin. It's time for us to grow up. Putin is a dictator who only understands force," Valtonen said.
In her opinion, Germany and France are currently the main targets for the Russian Federation in a hybrid war with the West. Valtonen noted that the Kremlin places the main emphasis on spreading disinformation to reduce the level of support for Ukraine among the local population.
Valtonen also believes that, EU countries will need to spend more on defense than NATO has set (2% of GDP) in the future.
"No one wants peace more than Ukraine. But if someone thinks that it is possible to stop the war by stopping the supply of weapons, I can only say one thing: this will not lead to the end of the war; it will lead to the end of Ukraine," said the head of the Finnish Foreign Ministry, emphasizing the importance of Kyiv's support.
She refrained from commenting on Germany's decision not to supply Ukraine with long-range weapons for attacks deep into Russian territory. Still, she reminded international law within the framework of self-defense does not prohibit striking military targets outside its borders.
For reference:
Finland will suspend the movement of pleasure boats through the Saimaa Canal, which connects Finnish Lake Saimaa with Vyborg Bay. In addition, Finland is closing two sea crossing points near the border with Russia, Haapasaari, and Santio, and is continuing to close all land checkpoints.
The Government of Finland has provided 2 million euros to the UN World Food Program (WFP). The funds will be used to provide financial assistance to Ukrainian pensioners who live in the territories of active or possible hostilities.
The Ministry of Health, Lviv National Medical University named after Danylo Halytsky, and the Foundation of Children's Hospital and Research Institute "Nadiia" (based in Finland) have signed a memorandum of cooperation. This cooperation aims to establish a Rehabilitation Center at the university to provide physical and psychological rehabilitation for Ukrainian children who have suffered losses, injuries, and trauma as a result of the full-scale war.
