Finland's president calls for stronger actions against Russia
During the Munich Security Conference, Finland's President Alexander Stubb articulated his stance on the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. He advocated for increased military support for Ukraine and stronger sanctions against Russia prior to initiating peace negotiations.
In his address at the Munich Security Conference, President Stubb underscored the importance of bolstering the Ukrainian military and enforcing more stringent sanctions on Russia, including freezing its assets. The Finnish leader asserted that these measures are vital before embarking on peace talks.
On the third day of the conference, the Finnish President, alongside Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics and Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir, deliberated on European security. These discussions occurred in the context of the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, which eventually led to the formation of the OSCE.
Prospects for monitoring the ceasefire
Alexander Stubb highlighted the possibility of the UN or OSCE monitoring a potential ceasefire line. He emphasised that this would not constitute a peace operation but rather an observation mission. Furthermore, he proposed appointing a special European representative for Ukraine and peace talks, citing former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari as an illustrative example.
The Finnish President also shared insights from discussions with American senators, who suggested that renewed Russian aggression against Ukraine could lead to Ukraine joining NATO. Stubb viewed this proposition as a good deterrent but noted that it remains premature for such a measure.
Positions of other conference participants
Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics backed the Finnish leader's position. He highlighted the necessity for the European Union to enhance its actions' effectiveness, especially considering the increasingly transactional nature of its relationship with the United States.
Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir stressed the importance of including both Ukraine and Europe in the negotiation process. Regarding security issues in the Arctic, she noted Iceland's NATO membership while ruling out any plans to join the EU.
The United States assures Ukraine of support
During the Munich Security Conference, US Vice President J.D. Vance met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The primary focus of their discussions was ending the war in Ukraine.
Vance emphasised that the United States aims to achieve lasting peace. President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for US support and underlined the urgent need for security guarantees for Ukraine. He stressed the importance of developing a strategy to deter Putin.
The meeting was attended by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, General Keith Kellogg, and representatives from the Ukrainian side, including the head of the President's Office, Andriy Yermak, and Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna. The politicians announced plans for further meetings.
