Finland’s Stubb: “I appreciate Russians”

Finnish President Alexander Stubb said he respects Russians and their culture and history but does not support the actions of Russia’s current government.

“I appreciate Russians, Russian culture and history, but I cannot endorse the actions of the current Russian administration,” Stubb said in an interview with Finnish children’s magazine Koululainen.

The president was responding to questions submitted by the magazine’s young readers.

Stubb has previously spoken about the possibility of restoring dialogue with Russia, saying that contacts with Moscow would eventually have to resume.

During the Kultaranta discussions in June, Stubb said Finland and Europe should consider establishing contact with Russia within a relatively short timeframe.

“I personally would estimate that if not now in the next few weeks, then in the next two months it would be worth making some kind of contact,” Stubb said at the time.

He stressed, however, that any future discussions with Russia should be conducted in a coordinated manner.

“At some point, these connections must be opened, both at the European level and at the Finnish level bilaterally,” Stubb said.

By Sabina Mammadli