Membership in NATO remains the only credible long-term security guarantee for Ukraine against potential future Russian aggression, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen stated during a visit to Kyiv on Wednesday, reports Reuters.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Ukrainian officials, Valtonen emphasized that Article 5 of the Washington Treaty—NATO’s collective defense clause—offers unparalleled protection. “In the long term, the only credible security guarantee is NATO membership,” Valtonen told reporters. “We support Ukraine’s NATO aspirations and hope this becomes a reality in the near future.”
Ukraine has been advocating for stronger security guarantees as the war with Russia nears its three-year mark. Despite President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s repeated calls for NATO membership, key alliance members remain hesitant, especially as Ukrainian forces continue to face challenges on the battlefield.
Concerns About Trump’s Stance
The return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency has raised both hopes and anxieties in Kyiv. While a diplomatic resolution to the conflict seems more plausible, Ukrainian leaders fear that a rushed peace agreement could leave them vulnerable.
Trump has openly expressed sympathy with Russia’s opposition to Ukraine’s NATO membership, labeling it an unnecessary provocation. He also criticized outgoing President Joe Biden for allegedly shifting U.S. policy in favor of Ukraine’s alliance aspirations.
However, Valtonen dismissed the notion that Trump’s administration could block Ukraine’s path to NATO. “Three years ago, no one believed Finland or Sweden would join NATO, yet here we are,” she said, highlighting Finland’s 2023 accession to NATO and Sweden’s recent membership.
Europe’s Role in Defense
Trump recently called for NATO’s European members to increase defense spending from 2% to 5% of their gross domestic product. Valtonen welcomed the call, noting Finland’s commitment to burden-sharing.
“Europe has significantly improved its defense capabilities in recent years, and Finland is already carrying its weight,” she said. “We share the view that Europe can and should do more to bolster collective security.”
As Finland begins its chairmanship of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Valtonen reaffirmed her country’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and NATO ambitions.
