Finnish PM: Frozen Russian assets key to supporting Ukraine

Europe must use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s post-war recovery, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has said, warning that the continent faces no alternative if Kyiv is to avoid financial collapse.

Orpo, speaking ahead of the first “eastern flank” summit of Nato countries bordering Russia and Belarus, stressed that Europe must show solidarity with frontline states that have shouldered much of the economic and military burden of backing Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

“We don’t have any other options,” Orpo told reporters. “It’s clear that we need financial support from Brussels.”

He warned that even after a peace deal is struck in Ukraine, Russia would remain a threat and could redeploy forces toward Nato’s eastern borders, including Finland and the Baltic states. “We know that when there will be peace in Ukraine, Russia is still the threat. It’s obvious that they are going to move their military forces to near our border and near the Baltic border,” Orpo said.

The eastern flank summit, scheduled for December 16, brings together eight countries that share a land or maritime border with Russia or Belarus. Participants are expected to discuss common military capabilities in areas such as air defence, drones, and land forces, as well as plans for moving troops and weaponry across Europe.

Several Nato countries have warned that Russia could be ready for a major confrontation with the alliance within three to five years of any cessation of hostilities in Ukraine. Estonia, Lithuania, and Poland are all planning to spend more than 5% of their GDP on defence next year, while other frontline states are also boosting military budgets.

Orpo also expressed concern over the United States’ gradual disengagement from European security, saying that Europe must be prepared to defend itself. Finland, he noted, has maintained a high level of preparedness, including extensive bomb shelters, stockpiles of critical materials, and ongoing training for young people and elite forces.

At the EU level, leaders are set to discuss using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine and advancing a trade deal with Latin American countries. Orpo indicated that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other European leaders had worked to resolve Belgium’s objections over the assets, but warned that swift action is now required.

By Aghakazim Guliyev