Russian Threat ‘Not Going Away,’ Says Finland’s President Stubb

Finland’s President Alexander Stubb has said the threat posed by Russia is “not going away” and that he would like to see Ukraine join the NATO alliance.

Finland, which joined NATO in 2023, has the alliance’s longest land border with Russia at over 1,300 kilometres. The country is one of the most vocal supporters of Ukraine and one of the top suppliers of military and humanitarian aid. 

Stubb reiterated his comments that Russia is a long-term threat during a visit to Canada this week. 

For this reason, the head of state supports Kyiv’s aspirations to join the alliance. 

“Can we afford to keep Ukraine outside, in the sense that they now have the greatest military know how?” Stubb asked in an interview with the Canadian Broadcasting Company.  

He said Turkey, Ukraine, Poland and Finland are now the biggest military powers in Europe.  

“I would prefer in the long run to see Ukraine in NATO. You know, I know for political reasons some people have problems with that. But let’s think about it really serious,” the head of state said. 

He highlighted that Kyiv is now sharing its military know-how with the Gulf states to help defend them from Iranian drones. 

“I hope the Americans understand and see this,” Stubb told the broadcaster. Washington has previously said Ukraine cannot join the alliance. 

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