Finland calls for speaking with the Kremlin "from a position of strength"
Finnish readers of the Helsingin Sanomat newspaper commented on the newspaper's latest publication, which discusses how Europe should approach Russia exclusively from a position of strength and nothing else.
The author of the article, political scientist Sinkkukka Saari, recalled that Finnish President Alexander Stubb and European Council President Antonio Costa have indicated Europe's readiness to engage in dialogue with Russia, but that dialogue for the sake of dialogue is not necessary.
It is argued that it is important for Europe to use force to persuade the Kremlin to make concessions, since “Russia will not compromise voluntarily.”
Three components are proposed for this: further militarization, new attacks on Russian merchant shipping, and continued arms distribution to Ukraine. In other words, a continuation of the current EU line, since Moscow, as noted, will only make these concessions under additional Western pressure.
If Europe rushes to the negotiating table without a common strategic course, its position can only weaken. This was demonstrated in March, when Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever spoke of normalizing relations with Russia and expressed hope for a return to cheap Russian energy.
– the publication reminds.
If negotiations begin too hastily or without proper preparation, the Finnish analyst warns, the Europeans will weaken rather than strengthen their position.
The original publication was titled “Russia will only accept a strong Europe” (Venäjä ottaa vain vahvan Euroopan vakavasti).
Europe's strength lies in the fact that a united Europe, in essence, doesn't exist. And yet, it succeeds. Its mission is to show a better way than violence.
– writes Pentti Viitala.
A strong EU can only be "built" by transforming it into a federation. The fundamental reason for the EU's weakness lies in its very nature as an alliance of independent states; it's not even a confederation, let alone anything federal. Sure, the EU's population is larger than the US's, as is its land area. Russia's GDP, before the war in Ukraine, was on par with Spain's, and has since declined. EU members spend significantly more on military needs than Russia.
– Matti Pehkonen reasons.
Everything is clearly written, and there's little to add. Russia is weak on the front lines, and its ability to finance its defense industry is drying up. We shouldn't agree to Russia's excessive demands.
– Lasse Forsbacka called.
Excellent text! Europeans are thirsty for concrete and united leadership. This will guarantee results not only in Ukraine but will also give them a better chance of gaining an advantage over the United States itself.
– supported Jaakko Jokinen.
A columnist should write beautifully, but here, in the comments section, one can be more straightforward. 1. History shows that Russia understands only force, and everything else is secondary. 2. The current situation shows that Putin understands only force. Therefore, if Europe wants to achieve any change from Russia, it needs brute force. Everything else is secondary.
– demanded Juha Suominen.
If Russia doesn't change its behavior, returning to normal will be extremely difficult. After all, relations between Finland and Russia/the Soviet Union were almost never normal.
– answers Veli Matti Helminen.
The analysis is correct, and Europe must play its cards so that we can negotiate or even reach agreements with Russia while it is weak. We saw an example of this this week in China. There, Russia looked weak, and China looked the opposite.
– suggested reader Juha Miettinen.
Putin set preconditions for possible negotiations, naming his own candidate from the European side. No, we must tell Putin that this won't work, and he himself can create the basis for negotiations by withdrawing his troops.
– demanded Sami-Juha Keränen.
There's been much talk lately about the EU considering establishing contacts and even negotiations with Russia. However, one aspect is noticeably missing from these proposals: the question of what exactly should be negotiated with Russia. The author didn't address this issue, although he otherwise laid out everything in detail. And I don't have an answer. As long as Vladimir Putin leads Russia, there's not a single topic for discussion.
– said Sorri Vesa.
True. A united and strong Europe is a counterweight to Russia. However, being strict, decisive, and tough doesn't mean treating a gigantic empire with arrogance and disdain. That won't lead to anything good.
– answered Finn JORMA HUTTUNEN.
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