Finland's PM: EU must impose new sanctions on Russia to achieve peace – media

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said in his speech at a government meeting that Finland will continue to work closely with the United States in supporting Ukraine, the online news outlet Yle reported on Saturday.

"Russia started this war and Russia continues to kill. The EU must, if necessary, impose new sanctions against Russia in order to achieve peace," the prime minister said.

Orpo noted that in security matters, it is important for Western countries to provide Ukraine with such strong military support that it will guarantee peace. "The participation of the United States in providing security guarantees is key. After the meeting in Alaska, Trump, fortunately, spoke about this clearly and positively," the prime minister added.

The head of government stressed that the issue of transferring territories is decided by Ukraine, and if Russia receives a reward for starting the war, it will be very bad for Finland as well.

"If someone, by force, in violation of international law, seizes the territory of another border country, and we are the second border country of Russia, then, of course, this causes concern. Therefore, we fight for the rights of Ukraine, support Ukraine in every possible way and so actively so that Ukraine receives a fair peace," he said.

However, Orpo has not yet expressed confidence in what form Finland will participate in organizing security guarantees for Ukraine.

"We have previously stated that, as a frontline country, the main task of our troops is to protect Finland. As a border country, sending our troops on missions where conflict is possible is a difficult issue," the prime minister said at a press conference after the meeting.

According to Orpo, the time for making a decision will come when there is a clearer proposal for organizing security guarantees. "Finland's role could be, for example, to provide, support and train Ukrainian troops ... no decision has been made regarding the possible forms of Finland's participation, this will be done later," the prime minister added.