Finnish president criticizes Soviet-Finnish war outcome, urges Ukraine to avoid same fate

During a joint press conference with Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Helsinki, Finnish President Alexander Stubb expressed strong criticism of the outcome of the Soviet-Finnish war (1941-1944).

A video clip of Stubb's remarks was shared by his office, Caliber.Az reports.

Stubb reflected on the significant losses Finland endured during and after the war, describing how the country remained the only neighboring state of the Soviet Union yet lost its sovereignty and decision-making power.

"We retained our independence, actually remaining the only neighbor of the Soviet Union. But we lost sovereignty and the right to make decisions. And we also lost 10 per cent of our territory... The territory where my grandparents were born and where my father was born," Stubb explained.

The Finnish President also warned that Ukraine could find itself in a similar situation to Finland's post-war predicament, but he emphasized that such a scenario must be avoided. His remarks underscored the delicate geopolitical situation Ukraine faces amid its ongoing conflict with Russia, and Stubb urged Ukraine not to repeat the mistakes made by Finland in the aftermath of the 1944 war.

President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska began an official visit to Finland on March 19 morning.

The visit was hosted by Finnish President Alexander Stubb and First Lady Suzanne Innes-Stubb and began with a welcoming ceremony in the courtyard of the Presidential Palace in Helsinki.

Talks between the two leaders focused on Finland's support for Ukraine as well as steps to end Russia’s war of aggression.

By Vafa Guliyeva