Former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö told Deutsche Welle that the war in Ukraine has lasted more than three years and that a complete victory for neither Russia nor Ukraine is currently in sight.
“What we have seen for more than three years is a continuation of the war. It seems that neither Russia nor Ukraine will achieve a full victory. Therefore, if nothing else, we must try to reach an agreement through diplomacy,” Niinistö said.
Regarding European leaders’ communication with Vladimir Putin, Niinistö noted that the practice of phone calls with the Russian president has changed perceptions in Europe.
“Chancellor Scholz was criticized when he called Putin, but when Trump started doing so regularly, followed by Macron, criticism faded. In a way, European opinion followed President Trump,” Niinistö said, adding that Europe must be involved in this type of diplomacy.
Niinistö also revealed how he advised former US President Donald Trump during their 2018 meeting with Putin in Helsinki.
“I told him that Putin is a fighter. You have to confront him. I also said that Putin likes to be respected—not accepted, but respected. He believes respect comes from standing up to him,” Niinistö explained.
Speaking on Trump’s current approach, Niinistö viewed his tougher tone on Russia and support for arming Ukraine as “somewhat of a turning point.”
When asked about Trump’s 50-day ultimatum to Moscow to end the war, Niinistö responded:
“There have been time limits before. I think Trump’s concrete actions and statements are more significant than the deadline itself.”
Regarding Ukraine’s possible EU membership, Niinistö recalled Moscow’s previous stance:
“I think Putin publicly said, at least a few years ago, that it’s okay. But it’s not Russia’s decision to make about EU enlargement. That’s not their business.”
Niinistö believes Europe must strengthen its military capabilities, as this is key to deterring an aggressive neighbor like Russia.
“If you have an aggressive neighbor like Russia who thinks you are weak, that is a dangerous combination. Therefore, Europe must show strength and act strongly externally,” he said.
He also pointed out that the main problem remains a shortage of weapons and soldiers, but Trump’s election served as a wake-up call, prompting European countries to increase defense spending and consider reinstating compulsory military service.
“In Germany, for example, there is now talk of reintroducing compulsory military service. We also see a huge increase in military spending within NATO. So, a lot is happening, and that is good.”
On the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, Niinistö emphasized the importance of reviving the “Helsinki spirit.”
“I mean what happened in the middle of the Cold War, when world leaders sat at the same table and actually achieved something. I believe it would be very important for humanity if one day we could see leaders of Russia, China, the US, and other countries discussing common problems,” Niinistö concluded.
