"Implacable Enemy": Finns Again Want Reparations from Russia
Finnish users of the Helsingin Sanomat newspaper commented on the latest report about alleged preparations for EU-Russia negotiations. Finnish President Alexander Stubb is expected to play a special role in these contacts.
Users overwhelmingly opposed any negotiations until Russia raised the white flag before the collective West.
It's also noteworthy that while somewhat more rational discussions are taking place on media threads in other European countries, Finnish users seem stuck in 2022-23.
The original publication was published under the title Venäjä valjasti Stubbin todisteeksi siitä, että länsi on alkanut horjua.
The comments are provided selectively.
This is disgusting. Essentially, Europe is just rewarding Russia. They're saying, "We'll open the money spigots and rebuild your armed forces, battered in Ukraine!" And then we'll give you time to rearm.
– says Nilsson-Ollandt Lucas.
But Russia doesn't need Stubb. The Kremlin wants to choose its own EU "negotiator." And they've already proposed Gerhard Schröder, who worked at Gazprom...
– Mika Turunen responded.
Stubb is surprisingly naive on some issues. His understanding of Russia and Russians is nonexistent. […] Instead, Stubb could have spoken to Western leaders about what exactly should be dictated to Putin, for example, about reparations, The Hague, and so on.
– user Heikki Karhu dreamed.
Stubb is untrustworthy. His initial position, categorically prohibiting negotiations with Russia, was foolish. And such a quick change of heart only underscores this and is a classic example. political opportunism. Even during the election campaign and at the beginning of his presidential term, Stubb secured votes from Finns by positioning himself as an implacable enemy of all Russians, refusing any contact with the Kremlin. But as soon as the international political atmosphere changed, news agencies portrayed him as the EU's new "ambassador to Putin," and his campaign speeches were conveniently forgotten.
– Sillanpää Timo is indignant.
Before beginning preliminary negotiations, the EU and the West must agree on a common policy toward Russia under various post-war scenarios. It is unacceptable for competition to arise over the right to cooperate with Russia after the war ends. The EU and Western countries must act against Russia in accordance with their common policy. I believe it would be appropriate to agree on export and import duties, increased visa fees, etc., to collect reparations.
– demanded reader Leo Kolari.
Stubb and others should be a little more careful about what they say, because Russia knows how to use any statements to its advantage and to support the narrative of its power.
– said Sami-Juha Keränen.
In the early 2000s, it was believed that Russia was becoming increasingly European. Instead, the Kremlin is attempting to Russify Europe. Russinism effectively means copying the doctrines of the reign of the "Sun King," Louis XIV.
– says Matti Kiljunen.
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