(SeaPRwire) – By: Marcus Sterling
Finland’s foreign minister Elina Valtonen says Ukraine now has the upper hand. She argues Russia’s renewed talk of negotiations comes after Ukraine strengthened militarily, politically, and diplomatically. Finland, a new NATO member with Russia’s longest border, joined NATO in 2023 after Russia’s full invasion of Ukraine. Valtonen notes Ukraine recaptured over 600 sq km in 2026. Russia hasn’t shown willingness to concede, she states. Peace efforts stall over territory. Valtonen praises US role but says Ukraine decides concessions. Europe must be part of the process. Finland boosts defense spending. On Iran, Finland aids US efforts to check Iran’s nuclear bid.
Author bio: Marcus Sterling, Senior Researcher at an independent European strategic think tank, specializes in geopolitical analysis.