Finland-Russia relations changed permanently, says Finnish president

Finnish President Alexander Stubb mentioned Russia in his New Year’s address, stating that relations between the two countries have changed permanently.

Stubb highlighted three main goals for 2026, the first being peace in Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

He stated that peace is closer than ever, while cautioning that not all points of a peace agreement would reflect the spirit of justice.

“We will do everything possible to ensure the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” Stubb affirmed.

His other priorities include economic growth and fostering care for one another. Stubb emphasised that democracy must be upheld daily and that “well-being does not arise out of nowhere.”

Finland historically maintained military non‑alignment and cooperation with Russia (and previously the Soviet Union) for decades after the Cold War, but Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 fundamentally altered that stance. 

Finland subsequently applied for and joined NATO in April 2023, ending its long‑standing neutral security policy and significantly shifting its foreign policy orientation.

Russia reacted strongly to Finland’s NATO accession, viewing it as a security threat and criticising Helsinki’s move, with tensions increasing along their 1,340 km border and in regional security dynamics.

Finland’s government officially stated it will not restore political relations with Russia while Moscow continues its war in Ukraine, with diplomatic ties largely limited to necessary border and consular interactions.

By Jeyhun Aghazada