Finland Warns of Long Conflict with Russia, Urges European Unity

The statement of the Prime Minister of Finland responds to Vladimir Putin's words, who, in an interview with Russian propaganda media, claimed that the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO is an "absolutely senseless move" and announced plans to send troops and "destruction systems" to the Russian-Finnish border.

Speaking on Wednesday in the European Parliament, Petteri Orpo stressed that his country, which shares a border with Russia spanning over 1,300 km, is fully conscious of the seriousness of the situation.

- "Our decision to join NATO was not made lightly; it was a clear signal of our commitment to European security. Now, we are pleased that we can finally welcome our close neighbour, Sweden, into the Alliance," he added.

Orpo assessed that the outbreak of war in Ukraine was a warning signal for the European Union. “We can no longer allow ourselves to be so dependent on others in terms of our energy and security. We must take care of our defence. Strengthening our defence industry, improving our readiness, and securing our borders are key pillars of our common security architecture. We live in times when virtually all policy areas are linked to our security, and without security, we cannot ensure a prosperous future for Europe,” he said.

- Russia is clearly preparing for a long conflict with the West and poses a constant and existential military threat to Europe. “If we, as a united Europe, do not respond adequately to this challenge, the coming years will be full of dangers and the threat of attack. We must now increase our support for Ukraine so that it can win this war, and at the same time increase our own defensive capabilities and the ability to defend ourselves,” declared the Finnish Prime Minister.

According to Orpo, the expansion of the EU is a geopolitical necessity and a matter of security, and every pound spent on Ukraine is a small price compared to the costs that would have to be incurred if Russia won the war.

Source: PAP, WP News