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Finnish President calls for calmer discourse on Russia — FT

Alexander Stubb called on European countries to "be more like Finland" now, explaining that they need to be "more prepared"

Finnish President Alexander Stubb AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda

Finnish President Alexander Stubb

© AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda

LONDON, April 11. /TASS/. Recently inaugurated President of Finland Alexander Stubb believes Europe should stop criticizing Russia and focus on strengthening its own military, the Finnish leader told the Financial Times.

Stubb, according to the newspaper, pointed out that combative rhetoric distracts European countries from what is really important: urgent assistance to Kiev and preparing their own armed forces for a possible conflict.

The Finnish leader called on European countries to "be more like Finland" now, explaining that they need to be "more prepared," notes the newspaper. "I’m a little bit worried about this rather belligerent talk about Russia going to test Article 5 [NATO collective defense clause], and that Europe is next in line. I think we should prepare for that, but I think it’s highly unlikely," he told the Financial Times.

Finland officially joined NATO on April 4, 2023. Subsequently, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted that Moscow would take extra military measures in connection with the accession of Finland and Sweden to the alliance.

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Ukraine crisis Finland

Military operation in Ukraine

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