Finland's Foreign Minister Open to Future Western Troops in Ukraine

Finland's Foreign Minister, Elina Valtonen, has stated that sending Western troops to Ukraine has not been ruled out, according to the Financial Times. "This is not the time to send soldiers, and at this stage, we don't even want to talk about it. But in the long term, of course, we should not exclude anything," she declared.

Elina Valtonen, leading Finland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, believes that Russia may become more aggressive in the coming years. She suggests that the so-called mandate received by Putin in the elections is likely to spur an escalation in aggression.

The Finnish Foreign Minister stresses that we must prepare for Russia becoming a long-term, potentially existential threat to Europe. Her statement reflects a profound concern for the continent's future.

Addressing the existential threat, Valtonen pointed out that Russia is undermining international values and principles. "Russia is using all its power to trample on international values and principles," she remarked.

She added that Europe must react to such actions, highlighting that few desire a world where it's feasible to alter country borders and change governments through coercion.

When asked by Finnish media about the potential troop deployment to Ukraine, Valtonen responded, "Now is not yet the time, but no options can be discounted." She did not elaborate on discussions with the Americans, who had previously opposed sending NATO troops to Ukraine.

*Source: Financial Times, PAP*