Finland: Russia's cool neighbor

October 26, 2025, 5:41 PM |

Reading time: 5 min.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb clearly states that Ukraine must not and will not comply with Putin's demands under any circumstances. (Photo: TOBIAS SCHWARZ/AFP)

Finnish President Alexander Stubb is considered one of Donald Trump's closest European advisors. A conversation about the cohesion of the EU, Finland's strength, and the best way to deal with Russian provocations.

By Alex Rühle , Helsinki

Anyone who wants to take a deep breath of optimism about Ukraine , the EU, and the need for strong solidarity should ring the bell at Mariankatu 2 in Helsinki on a rainy afternoon. This is the back entrance to the Finnish presidential palace, where a small group of German journalists was invited for a discussion last week.

Now, as Russian drones and fighter jets fly around NATO airspace like evil ghosts, Finland is demonstrating how to deal with this aggressive neighbor. A visit to a country that is prepared.