Finland Rejects Imposing Neutrality on Ukraine
The Finnish Foreign Minister, Elina Valtonen, is against forcing neutrality on Ukraine. This idea has been proposed to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Valtonen says that imposing neutrality would harm international order and Ukraine’s independence. She also questioned if Russia could be trusted to keep its promises.
Russia wants Ukraine to agree not to join NATO in exchange for peace. But Finland is against this plan. Valtonen thinks it would only help Russia control Ukraine.
The US President–elect, Donald Trump, is considering a quick solution to the conflict. Some people think this might involve freezing the situation and letting Russia keep control over parts of Ukraine that are currently occupied.
Valtonen spoke out against the “Finlandization model” for Ukraine at the Paris Peace Forum on November 11. She said that Finland’s experience with Russia shows that trusting them wouldn’t be good for anyone.