What can Ukraine learn from Finland’s war with Russia?

Finnish President Alexander Stubb has said Finland’s 1941-44 war against the Soviet Union, fought alongside Germany, was a war for the country’s “independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity”.

Speaking to European Pravda, Stubb referred to the conflict as the Continuation War and said Finland had achieved a “defensive victory” because it survived as an independent nation.

“Finland retained its independence,” he said, adding that the country had achieved more than the Baltic states, which lost their independence, but had also lost part of its sovereignty.

Stubb said Finland had accepted the loss of territory after the war, but suggested Ukraine’s situation could be different and that Kyiv would not necessarily have to accept the same outcome.

He said Finland’s experience had given it “a certain understanding of the history of Russian imperialism” and “very strong sympathy” for Ukrainians.

Stubb also said Ukraine joining the European Union would be the “best outcome” for Kyiv in its conflict with Russia. He added that he was ready to act as a negotiator for a settlement if needed.

By Aghakazim Guliyev