Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen stated that Ukraine has gained new leverage against Russia, arguing that Moscow’s renewed talk of negotiations comes as Kyiv has strengthened itself militarily, politically, and diplomatically.
Ukraine’s Recent Gains
Valtonen’s comments carry particular weight because Finland is one of NATO’s newest members and now sits on the alliance’s longest border with Russia. Finland joined NATO in April 2023 after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, ending decades of military nonalignment and transforming the country into a frontline state in Europe’s security posture.
Ukraine has recaptured over 600 square kilometers of territory so far in 2026, a shift after years of slow Russian gains. This follows renewed diplomatic activity, including Zelenskyy’s stated willingness to halt fighting along current lines as a path to talks and Putin’s public rejection of a direct meeting for now.
Finland’s Stance
Valtonen said Moscow has shown little willingness to make concessions and argued that the responsibility for ending the war remains with the Kremlin. She praised Washington’s role in the process but stressed that Ukraine alone must decide whether to accept any concessions, including on territory.
Finland has moved aggressively to increase defense spending, planning to raise defense spending to 3.2% of GDP by 2030, up from 2.5% in 2025. Valtonen credited President Donald Trump with pushing European allies to increase defense spending, saying the pressure had moved the continent in the right direction after years of imbalance inside NATO.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
