Finland's President Alexander Stubb emphasizes the necessity of credible security guarantees for Ukraine, which may involve readiness for war against Russia. As peace talks stall, at least 26 countries, including France, express willingness to support a peacekeeping force. Stubb highlights the strategic importance of these guarantees, while acknowledging the slim chances of Putin engaging in negotiations soon.
Finland's Bold Stance: Ready for War to Ensure Ukraine's Security
Finland's Bold Stance: Ready for War to Ensure Ukraine's Security
Security guarantees for Ukraine must mean readiness to go to war against Russia, according to Finland's President Alexander Stubb. "Security guarantees are fundamentally a deterrent, and the deterrent must be credible," he told The Guardian.
Peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are, to say the least, progressing slowly.
This week, Sir Richard Moore, head of the UK's intelligence service MI6, stated that there is no evidence that Putin genuinely seeks peace in Ukraine.
The parties seem to have agreed on security guarantees for Ukraine, meaning that other countries will ensure Russia does not invade again after a potential peace agreement.
And the countries guaranteeing security must be prepared to go to war with Russia.
"That is the idea of security guarantees by definition," Finland's President Alexander Stubb told The Guardian.
At Least 26 Countries Ready
Last month, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that at least 26 countries are ready to contribute to a peacekeeping force "on land, in the air, and at sea."
"Security guarantees are fundamentally a deterrent, and the deterrent must be credible, and for it to be credible, it must be strong. And that also means strategic communication, so we do not give security guarantees in the air, but we provide real security guarantees, and Russia knows it."
Ukraine has previously raised the issue of concrete commitments the peacekeeping forces would have.
"The War is Too Big for Him to Lose"
Stubb admits that the chance of Putin coming to the negotiating table is not particularly high.
"This war is too big for him to lose. He has probably made the biggest strategic mistake in recent history, definitely since the end of the Cold War, and he has failed in all his strategic goals.
"It's a question of when he comes to the negotiating table, hopefully sooner rather than later, but right now I am quite pessimistic."