Finnish President Sauli Niinisto: there is no progress with the application for NATO membership yet
Speaking about the situation in Ukraine, the Finnish President stressed the importance of maintaining relations with Russia, Demokraatti reports. At the same time, Niinisto answered the question about military assistance to Kiev vaguely.
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On the evening of June 13, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said in an interview with Yle that there is no promotion of Finland's application to NATO yet.
"Things are not progressing with the application, so it is not surprising that nothing has been reported to the press yet."
The President of Finland believes that the situation could have been predicted at the stage when Turkey began to stop the approval process of the application.
"Of course, time is precious now. All this could have been predicted at the stage when Turkey voiced its demands," Niinisto comments.
The President of Finland says that new negotiations with Turkey are not planned yet, although Finland is always ready for them.
"We are in constant contact, several times during the day."
Niinisto added that this issue is clearly of interest to other NATO countries that want to promote the process.
The President also repeated his words that he does not see strong differences in how Finland and current NATO members treat the fight against terrorism in Turkey.
"We basically stick to the same positions, so it's not worth making it too complicated."
Sauli Niinisto believes that Finland should not join NATO separately from Sweden.
"It would be very strange, because we have been walking side by side with Sweden all spring."
Ukraine is supplied with weapons, from which there can be serious consequences
Speaking about the situation in Ukraine, Niinisto stressed the importance of maintaining relations with Russia.
"At some stage, these relations will definitely be required," he said.
Niinisto is concerned about the escalation of hostilities, because heavier weapons may be used — for example, vacuum bombs.
"The consequences from them will be even worse than what we have already seen. Of course, this is a concern."
When asked about Finland's military assistance to Ukraine, President Sauli Niinisto answered vaguely.
"How to put it. Of course, there will be an effect."
Yle had a conversation with Niinisto during the annual event at the summer residence of President Kultaranta, where foreign and security policy issues are discussed.
