It is difficult to see an end to the war: Niinistö

President Sauli Niinistö on Tuesday said that it is difficult to see an end to the war as Russia has stepped up the destruction of Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, with no regard for civilian suffering or the rules of war.

Speaking at the 74th Session of the Nordic Council in Helsinki, he also expressed optimism about the speedy completion of Finland´s NATO accession together with Sweden.

“In recent weeks, the war has again entered a new phase. Russia has stepped up the destruction of Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, with no regard for civilian suffering or the rules of war. Although Ukraine is fighting back bravely and has made significant progress, it is difficult to see an end to the war,” Niinistö said.

He held Russia responsible for bringing war to Europe and expressed firm support of the Nordic countries to Ukraine as it fights for its freedom and for common values.

“Now, 70 years after the Nordic Council was founded, the atmosphere in world politics is even chillier than during the Cold War. Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine brought war to Europe. All the Nordic countries have strongly condemned Russia’s actions. All the Nordic countries stand firmly behind Ukraine as it fights for its freedom and for our common values,” he said.

Pointing out the changed security environment he said that the changed was recognized at the end of last year as Russia called for a halt to NATO expansion, which was an attempt to deny freedom of choice and prompted Finland to apply for NATO membership.

“At the end of last year, we recognized the change as Russia called for a halt to NATO expansion. Finland saw this as an attempt to deny our freedom of choice. Immediately after Russia made its demand, I gave a statement in response, stating-Maintaining a national room to manoeuvre and freedom of choice is the foundation of Finland’s foreign, security and defence policy. This also includes the possibility of military alignment and applying for NATO membership. - Our decision finally matured after Russia started its attack on Ukraine,” said the President.

He said that the process of confirming Finland’s and Sweden’s NATO membership has proceeded at an historic pace: in four months, as many as 28 allies have ratified our membership, the Nordic countries among the first.

“With Turkey and Hungary, we have a good dialogue. I am confident that the remaining ratifications will be completed. As I have said: We started down this path together with Sweden, and together we will continue,” he added.