Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stated that Russia's increased attacks in Ukraine indicate a lack of seriousness about ending the conflict. He made this comment during a press conference with Nordic leaders in Paimio, Finland, on Monday.
"On Sunday night alone, Russia carried out 355 drone strikes and launched nine missiles," Orpo noted. "This is not the behavior of a nation seeking peace."
Orpo hosted the meeting alongside Katrin Sjögren, the Premier of Åland, which included the heads of government from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland. The discussions covered various topics, including security, economic cooperation, and the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
The Nordic leaders reaffirmed their collective commitment to supporting Ukraine's defense and reconstruction efforts. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized that assistance must continue "by all possible means."
The meeting took place against the backdrop of reports from Ukraine indicating that Russian forces have intensified their attacks in various regions. Orpo emphasized that these strikes highlight the necessity for Europe to maintain pressure and avoid any misconceptions about Russia's intentions.
NATO intelligence has cautioned about Russia's capacity to quickly regroup following the conclusion of the war in Ukraine, with Finnish military officials noting that the country is already enhancing its infrastructure near the border with Finland.
Finland, which joined NATO in 2023, shares a 1,300-kilometer border with Russia. On Tuesday, Orpo is set to meet with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Turku, where they will discuss EU matters, bilateral relations, and European security.
Additionally, tensions have arisen regarding the recognition of Palestinian statehood, as Finland and Denmark remain the only Nordic countries that have not formally acknowledged Palestine.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre defended Norway's decision to recognize Palestine in 2023, arguing that failing to do so could inadvertently legitimize extremist groups. "If we don’t recognize Palestine, we give the microphone to the terrorists," Støre stated. "What is happening in Gaza is not just complex; it is a catastrophe."
Sweden recognized Palestine in 2014, while Iceland did so in 2011.
Finnish Prime Minister Orpo did not dismiss the possibility of future recognition but noted that the current conditions are not met. "Palestine needs a representative actor. Hamas, as a terrorist organization, cannot fulfill that role," he explained.
He also stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire and highlighted the importance of humanitarian access. "The cruelty must stop. Israel must take action," Orpo urged.
Frederiksen acknowledged the urgent need for aid delivery but emphasized that Denmark does not believe the time is right for recognition. “We support a two-state solution, and the suffering of civilians must come to an end. However, recognition at this moment would not be beneficial,” she stated.
Orpo mentioned that Finland is willing to reassess its position if larger nations like France or the UK take similar actions. President Alexander Stubb has previously indicated that such developments could lead to a reevaluation of Finland’s stance.
In Finland, opposition parties are split on the issue. The Social Democratic Party has called for a formal parliamentary debate, while the Christian Democrats oppose recognition under the current circumstances.
RKP leader and Education Minister Anders Adlercreutz has encouraged dialogue on the matter. Meanwhile, Orpo noted that there are “no fixed conditions” but reiterated the importance of having a credible Palestinian authority.
Despite their differing perspectives on Palestine, the leaders presented a unified stance on regional and global security. In a joint statement, they committed to enhancing cooperation in key areas such as civil preparedness and defense.
Several leaders emphasized the need for Europe to respond more swiftly to both humanitarian crises and military threats. Iceland's Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir echoed Norway's sentiments, criticizing the international community for its lack of action. "We have not done enough," she stated.
The Nordic meeting took place alongside discussions with business leaders, focusing on competitiveness, supply security, and reconstruction efforts in Ukraine.
The event concluded with a dinner at Turku Castle, where Chancellor Merz was the guest of honor. He and Orpo are scheduled to meet again on Tuesday for bilateral discussions.
