Finnish FM calls for increased European defence spending to counter Russian threat

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen has urged European countries to bolster defence spending to confront what she calls an ongoing threat posed by Russia.

In remarks underscoring the gravity of the situation, Valtonen pointed to the need for a unified and strengthened European response, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

“I am prepared to expect anything from Putin. It is time for us to grow up. Putin is a dictator who understands only strength,” Valtonen stated, underscoring her concerns about Moscow's intentions.

She highlighted that Russia’s current strategy involves hybrid warfare, with Germany and France as its primary targets. According to Valtonen, the Kremlin is focusing on spreading disinformation in these countries, aiming to diminish public support for Ukraine.

The Finnish Foreign Minister further advocated for increased defence spending, arguing that European countries may need to exceed NATO’s current defence target of 2% of GDP.

"No one wants peace more than Ukraine. But if someone thinks that the war can be stopped by halting arms supplies, I can say only one thing: this will not lead to the end of the war; it will lead to the end of Ukraine,” she emphasized, stressing the necessity of supporting Kyiv in its ongoing conflict with Russia.

Valtonen declined to comment directly on Germany's recent decision not to provide Ukraine with long-range weapons for attacks deep into Russian territory. However, she reminded her audience that international law permits nations to strike military targets beyond their own borders in self-defence. Finland had previously approved the use of weapons provided to Ukraine for such purposes back in May 2024.

In related remarks, Finnish Parliament Speaker Jussi Halla-aho reinforced the call for continued and expanded support to Ukraine. “Partner countries must significantly increase aid to Ukraine in the long term to send a clear message to Putin that his calculations for a war of attrition will not work,” Halla-aho stated.

By Khagan Isayev