Russia will not become less dangerous with the conclusion of a peace agreement in Ukraine, but will move its military forces towards NATO borders, warns the Prime Minister of Finland, Petteri Orpo. In this context, the leader from Helsinki calls for more financial support from the European Union for the countries located on the eastern flank of the alliance.
„We know that when there is peace in Ukraine, Russia will remain a threat. It is obvious that they will move their military forces close to our border and the Baltic border,” Orpo stated in an interview for Financial Times.
In his opinion, the situation requires more substantial financial support from Brussels for the countries on the front line.
Frontline countries, including Romania, are asking for money from the EU for defense amid Russian pressure.
### Eastern flank calls for European solidarity
The Finnish Prime Minister emphasized that the Eastern flank NATO states are rapidly increasing their defense budgets, despite the economic difficulties they face. These countries are, in relation to the size of their economies, among the most significant financial supporters of Ukraine.
On Tuesday, Orpo is hosting the first summit of Eastern flank states, with the participation of eight countries with land or maritime borders with Russia and Belarus – Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria. The agenda of the meeting includes coordinating common military capabilities – from air defense and drones to ground forces – as well as facilitating the transport of troops and armaments on the continent.
### NATO Warning: Russia Ready for Confrontation in a Few Years
Several NATO states warn that Russia could be prepared for a major confrontation with the alliance within three to five years of the cessation of hostilities in Ukraine.
In this context, Estonia, Lithuania, and Poland are preparing to allocate over 5% of GDP for defense next year, far exceeding the target requested by US President Donald Trump. Other Eastern flank states have also announced significant increases in military spending.
### Europe Must Prepare Without Full US Support
Petteri Orpo points out that Europe must be capable of defending itself, as the United States will gradually reduce its military involvement on the continent.
„We know that the US will reduce support and participation in the defense of Europe because they have many other security concerns,” said the Finnish Prime Minister.
Finland is one of the few European countries that has not relaxed its vigilance against Russia, maintaining a high level of readiness: bomb shelters, critical material stocks, and training programs for the population.
### Economic Pressure and Calls for More European Funds
At the same time, Finland is going through a difficult economic period, marked by over a decade of stagnation and increasing public debt, which has forced the government to cut expenses.
„Our economy is in a very bad situation right now. Because of the threat from Russia. The atmosphere in Finland is very difficult,” Orpo said.
He specified that the Eastern flank states are not only targeting the €1.5 billion in unused European funds for military projects but also a significant portion of the approximately €130 billion that the EU intends to allocate to defense in the next multiannual budget.
### Frontline States’ Fear: „Peace” Could Bring Relaxation
The Finnish Prime Minister warns that a potential peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine could lead some European states, further away from the border, to believe that the danger has passed and to reduce defense efforts.
In this context, Orpo says that Europe is facing „a huge week,” during which it must demonstrate that it is not limited to statements but is capable of taking concrete action to support Ukraine.
### Decisive Summit in Brussels for Ukraine’s Future
On Thursday, EU leaders will meet at a summit with major stakes, which could decide whether Ukraine will receive the necessary financial support to avoid default.
Sensitive topics include the use of frozen Russian assets to finance Kiev, despite Belgium’s reservations, as well as a possible trade agreement with Latin American countries.
Orpo says that European leaders, led by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have worked intensively to find a solution. „Now is the time to make a decision,” he said.
When asked what would happen if the summit ended without financial support for Ukraine, the Finnish Prime Minister responded curtly: „I don’t want to think about that. Because we have no other options.”
G.P.