— It is important for Ukraine to maintain its sovereignty, Stubb said in a speech on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the founding of the conflict resolution organization CMI (Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation, previously Crisis Management Initiative), which was established by former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari.
He emphasized that we must be ready for the fact that the peace plan will not be considered a “success”. — The most important task for Ukraine's allies is to preserve its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, said the president of Finland.
The article continues below the video
What does the President of Finland's statement about peace justice mean?
What are the priorities of Ukraine's allies according to Stubb?
What was 'Finlandization'?
What experiences with the Russians influenced the Finns?
Dispute between Finland and Russia
He added that the war in Ukraine “from the very beginning aroused emotions among Finns because of their history and experiences with the Russians.” Stubb recalled that as a result of World War II and the attack of the USSR, Finland, unlike e.g. the Baltic countries, did not lose its independence, but the ability to decide on its own affairs in international matters, as well as 10 percent. eastern territory.
Dependence on the USSR, known as “Finlandization”, was associated with restrictions that Moscow imposed primarily on foreign and military policy, including membership in alliances and international organizations. Finland decided to join NATO in spring 2022 in response to Russia's attack on Ukraine.
Martti Ahtisaari received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2008 for his contribution to peace mediation in various parts of the world, including ending the war in the former Yugoslavia. Before taking over as president in early 2024, Stubb led CMI, where he took over the presidency from Ahtisaari in 2018.
