Finland's Stubb Discusses Ukraine Peace Efforts and Security Preparedness Amid Russian Threat

<p><strong>UNITED NATIONS —</strong> As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warns that Russia could extend its military actions beyond Ukraine, Finnish President Alexander Stubb has expressed a more measured perspective, stating that Finland is prepared for potential threats from Moscow and attributing some progress in peace negotiations to former President Donald Trump.</p><p>"I think we're certainly in a better place than we were before President Trump started," Stubb told Fox News Digital during an interview at the U.N. General Assembly in New York. "He's doubled down in the past year and a half to try to find a solution for peace with negotiators such as Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and many others."</p><p>Stubb, who has been actively involved in diplomatic efforts, noted that he and Norway’s prime minister have been working behind the scenes to relay information among Ukraine, the United States, and European governments.</p><p>"I think he's really working hard and hopefully we'll get a solution," Stubb said.</p><p>The interview took place during a week focused on international diplomacy regarding the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.</p><p>Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy met in New York during the U.N. General Assembly, where Zelenskyy emphasized that achieving peace remains a priority for Ukraine and expressed gratitude to Trump for sending envoys to Kyiv after their discussions in Moscow.</p><p>Zelenskyy was questioned about the possibility of Russia invading or attacking another European country soon. He stated, "That's why the risk of offensive by drones, missiles or land operation is very high against other countries who are bordering Russia or Belarus."</p><p>Zelenskyy suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin, unable to achieve his military objectives in Ukraine, might seek to create instability in Europe to pressure Western governments to reduce their support for Ukraine. He cited drone incursions and disruptions affecting several European nations as evidence of Moscow's attempts to intimidate European societies.</p><p>When asked what European countries should do in response to the increasing threat, Zelenskyy advised, "Respond. Always respond. It's not about the war. If you don't respond, Russians, they will go further."</p><p>In contrast, Stubb maintained a calmer stance regarding Zelenskyy’s warnings about potential Russian attacks on European countries, including Finland, which shares a long border with Russia. "As commander-in-chief in Finland, I sit on all the relevant information and I just don't see a factual basis for it," Stubb stated.</p><p>However, he acknowledged that Moscow continues to target Europe through various means. Stubb differentiated between the "kinetic" war Russia is waging in Ukraine and a broader "hybrid" campaign in Europe, which includes cyberattacks, sabotage, and damage to undersea cables in the Baltic Sea.</p><p>"We have to see this as a campaign," he said. "Russia tries to intimidate Europe, scare us and get into our heads."</p><p>Stubb emphasized Finland's preparedness, saying, "We are calm because we are prepared." He highlighted Finland’s mandatory military service, reserve forces, artillery, long-range capabilities, and extensive civilian shelters. The Finnish Defence Forces estimate Finland’s wartime military strength at 280,000 personnel, with additional reservists available if necessary.</p><p>Finland's military capabilities were recently bolstered by a decision to acquire 64 F-35A fighter jets to replace its F/A-18 Hornet fleet. The first two F-35s arrived at the Lapland Air Wing in Rovaniemi on September 18, according to a Finnish Defence Forces press release.</p><p>Stubb noted, "We have obligatory military service. I did mine, my son did his. We have women who do it voluntarily. We have over 60 F-18s. We just bought 64 F-35s, the two first of which arrived. We have long-range missiles, air, land and sea. We have the capability to mobilize 280,000 troops within days in a conflictual situation. On top of that, we have land mines. And we have the biggest artillery in Europe together with Poland… On top of that, we have civilian shelters for over 4.4 million people out of 5.6."</p><p>Stubb remarked that Finland's military capabilities are not aimed at Sweden but are a response to perceived security threats from Russia. He expressed confidence that Finland's level of preparedness, along with its NATO membership, reduces the likelihood of a direct Russian attack. Finland joined NATO as its 31st member on April 4, 2023, after ending its long-standing military non-alignment due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.</p><p>Stubb stated, "We feel that we're very prepared, and that gives us a strong enough … deterrent that we don't believe that Russia is going to test a country like Finland. And of course the icing on the cake is that we are now security providers in the Alliance NATO."</p><p>During his address at the U.N. General Assembly, Stubb advocated for continued support for Ukraine, describing the coalition supporting Ukraine as "particularly close to my heart." He emphasized the coalition's efforts toward a "just and lasting peace in Ukraine in accordance with the U.N. Charter."</p><p>Stubb also made headlines during the U.N. week by urging SpaceX owner Elon Musk to extend Starlink coverage to assist Ukrainian forces in targeting Russian missile launchers. He argued that this could enhance Ukraine's ability to defend itself against missile attacks.</p><p>Stubb noted that the situation in Ukraine is part of a larger global security crisis. He stated, "It's not a zero-sum game. We have to deal with a multiplicity of conflicts right now, unfortunately."</p><p>Regarding Trump's call for international support to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, Stubb agreed, stating, "I agree, Iran should not obtain nuclear weapons," and added that Tehran should not use proxies or produce missiles.</p><p>Stubb highlighted the interconnected nature of conflicts involving Russia and Iran, alleging that Moscow provides intelligence to Tehran, which has been used against U.S. military bases, while Iranian weapons have been supplied to Russia for use against Ukraine.</p><p>Stubb concluded, "We're going in this merry-go-round where every bit of the conflict is linked to another. The sooner we can end both, the better."</p><p>Trump, during his U.N. address, reiterated calls for Iran's economic isolation and warned of further U.S. military action if a peace agreement is not reached, according to Reuters.</p><p>Stubb remarked that the proliferation of conflicts, from Ukraine and Iran to Gaza, Yemen, and Sudan, is challenging the diplomatic system.</p><p>Stubb stated, "It's not a zero-sum game. We have to deal with a multiplicity of conflicts right now, unfortunately."</p><p>And for Trump, he added, that means "working around the clock."</p>