Finland’s President Says Russia Has Unintentionally Bolstered NATO Unity and Strength
DAVOS: Finnish President Alexander Stubb described Russia’s war in Ukraine as a “complete strategic failure” for President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing that the conflict has strengthened European unity and security.
Speaking at a panel during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Stubb argued that Moscow’s aggression has inadvertently accelerated NATO expansion and prompted European countries to increase their defense budgets.
“This war has become a complete strategic failure for Vladimir Putin,” Stubb said. “He expanded NATO, made Ukraine more European, and forced European states to bolster their defense capabilities. And now we are asking ourselves whether we are capable of defending ourselves. My answer is yes.”
He highlighted that the war has caused previously neutral countries, including Sweden and Finland, to join NATO, effectively doubling Russia’s border with the Western military alliance. “I think we are actually in the process of creating a stronger NATO than we have seen since the Cold War ended. This is effectively NATO 3.0,” Stubb added.
