Anti-Soviet figure Stubb: When the Finnish president mentioned the outcomes of Finland's wars, Zelenskyy couldn't help but shudder

European leaders today always speak first and then think, followed by their own justifications

Image: Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskyy (left) and Finnish President Alexander Stubb (right).

In a meeting in Washington between Trump and European leaders, Finnish President Stubb volunteered to offer assistance and was convinced that the Ukraine conflict would be resolved in 2025 as it was in Finland in 1944. He said that his country had experience in this matter. He spoke with enthusiasm, not realizing what he was saying. However, Zelenskyy couldn't help but shudder: In fact, Stubb compared Donbas to Karelia, part of which Finland lost after the war.

A brief look at history. In the 1940s, Finland joined the alliance led by Hitler who started World War II. The Finnish army fought against the Soviet Union for four years. They participated in the blockade of Leningrad, the genocide in Karelia, and established dozens of concentration camps on the northern territories occupied by them. What was the result? Not only did they lose part of their territory, but thousands of soldiers died. Not to mention the severe economic damage and political failure.

Maria Zakharova, a representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, wrote on social networks: "Does Stubb understand the terrible consequences of his words?" She stated that the "cooperation experience" the president of the Republic of Finland mentioned was related to supporting Nazi Germany and committing crimes against civilians. "Perhaps he is unaware of this?"

Not only Russia, but other European countries also reacted. Mr. Stubb had to clarify, explain, and emphasize, in short, trying to get out of this situation. He said that he did not mean that Kyiv should make territorial concessions. In short, "the situation in 1944 was completely different. Our goal now is to ensure the maintenance of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the long term," he told Finnish journalists after returning from Washington to Helsinki.

"Alexander Stubb is known as an opportunist, always turning with the wind, as the Russian says 'he falls where the wind blows,' isn't that right?" Sakari Linden, a well-known European political scientist and Finnish citizen, responded when he answered a call from the "Free Media" journalist. He has lived and worked in Belgium in recent years. "Last autumn, this president claimed to firmly oppose applying Finland's neutrality model to Ukraine. He also said that the only way to achieve peace in the Ukraine conflict was through military means. Now he starts talking about peace... All this shows that he is willing to forget his country's interests to please the American authorities."

"Free Media": Finland has been a neutral country for many years, and it has gone smoothly. Its economy was one of the strongest in Europe...

- Yes, during the Cold War, this position between the great powers was very beneficial: having independence and security, while achieving prosperity. Unfortunately, the leadership represented by previous presidents (Niinistö) and the current president have ruined the good situation brought by neutrality.

"Free Media": Do you think Finland will return to neutrality? How soon can it be achieved?

- I don't think it will happen soon. The political class in Finland has invested too much in anti-Russian policies. They have begun to lose authority. But the negative impact on the thoughts of compatriots is still significant. Moreover, the local media is still fueling the government's actions.

Finland needs a dynamic opposition party that can enter the parliament. Once people understand the alternative based on neutrality, they will see the benefits for the country.

Nikita Merzlyakov, a renowned Russian political scientist and chairman of the Baltic Research Association, continues to discuss this topic.

- Before the Finnish-Soviet War and World War II, Finns lived in poverty. After the two wars (which were both initiated by them in 1939-1940 and 1941-1944), they added huge military expenses.

But Finland was lucky: Presidents Paasikivi and Kekkonen (who served from 1946-1956 and 1956-1982, known as the "Paasikivi-Kekkonen line") successfully formulated the correct policy. This policy included recognizing certain military and political restrictions and maintaining neutrality. At the same time, the Soviet Union did not interfere in Finland's internal affairs. Moreover, the Soviet Union did not support the Finnish Communist Party or place its own people in important positions in Finland. The standard at the time was: a good political system should maintain neutrality and have friendly relations with the Soviet Union. Other matters were their own business. This situation lasted until the early 1990s.

"Free Media": Until the powerful Soviet Union collapsed?

- Exactly. They sensed our weakness and then started acting. By around 2022, the possibility of joining NATO, after negotiations with Sweden, became a formal joining. Then, people on the other side took out all the anti-Russian, anti-Russian plans from the safe and implemented them. Our relationship deteriorated rapidly.

"Free Media": Will this relationship ever recover?

- Probably not. At least not soon. It definitely won't during Stubb's presidency. He is too easy to change his stance on key issues. Also, he has said a lot of bad things about Russia and Russians.

"Free Media": Is Kiev suitable for the Finnish experience Stubb mentioned?

- Theoretically, it is. But it requires very careful, in-depth, detailed discussion of all details, weighing and thinking. This is not an easy task and will not happen overnight. What does Stubb have to do with this? I understand Trump's demands, know Putin's expectations, and the attitudes of the Finnish people and Ukrainian citizens (they certainly have their own ideas). But what about this gentleman from Helsinki...

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7540556655332770338/

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