Stubb: Imperialism and expansion are embedded in the DNA of Putin and Russia

(Patria) - Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated yesterday at the Munich Security Conference that imperialism and expansion are embedded in the DNA of President Vladimir Putin and Russia.

Stubb believes that Putin does not want to end the war - "not because he thinks he can make progress, because he is actually not making progress" - but due to the high political and social costs of withdrawing Russian troops.

- What should we do? First, increase economic pressure - sanctions, maritime services, the 'shadow fleet', attack as much as possible.

Second, continue to provide Ukraine with all necessary resources, including Tomahawks. In the end, we will achieve this goal and Ukraine will win this war - Stubb said confidently.

He emphasizes that he currently does not see a direct security threat from Russia.

- But when the war in Ukraine ends, the threat will not disappear for the rest of Europe, Central Asia, or the South Caucasus - the Finnish president stated.

Asked about a direct threat to Europe, Stubb said that Russia will not test the determination of NATO members.

- There is a reason why we deter, there is a reason why a country like Finland has one of the largest NATO armies on the eastern flank. And there are also Turkey, Ukraine, and Poland - Stubb said.

He added that it is necessary to continue support for Ukraine and economic pressure on Russia to end the war favorably for Kyiv, and emphasized the importance of allied unity in defending freedom and the international order.