Finnish Prime Minister Orpo on Trump and Putin: I have many questions
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance on Russia’s war against Ukraine.
According to Censor.NET, Orpo made these remarks in an interview with Politico on the sidelines of the European Council summit in Brussels.
He stated that he saw no logic in the American leader’s actions and called on Europe to continue providing military and financial support to Kyiv regardless of Washington’s position.
According to the Finnish prime minister, Ukraine’s European allies were shocked by Trump’s agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the supply of Russian diesel to the U.S. market. At the same time, Washington has restricted Kyiv’s access to military intelligence and technologies necessary to counter Russian attacks.
"My message to him is that we are allies. We are in NATO. And what is the biggest threat against NATO? It’s Russia — and that is why there is no logic. I don’t have answers. I have many questions," Orpo said.
He added that if he were the U.S. president, he would not trust Putin. The Finnish prime minister also agreed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s statement that the United States could end up "on the wrong side of history."
"I think he is, and they are," Orpo said.
Finland calls on the EU to provide funding to Ukraine independently of the U.S.
Orpo emphasized that Ukraine needs additional military aid, particularly air defense systems, to defend itself against Russian missile attacks.
"The sky is open for Russia, there are missiles. They need more military support, air defense. Also, the situation is dangerous because of the latest deal between Trump and Putin," the Finnish prime minister said.
In his view, the European Union should independently provide Ukraine with weapons and funds, without making this support contingent on decisions made in Washington.
"Today, we need to find a solution [on] how to support Ukraine, how to finance Ukraine in this winter, but also in next year. It’s crucial," Orpo emphasised.
He cited the use of frozen Russian assets as one of the best options. According to the prime minister, Finland has asked the European Commission to continue working with Belgium and other EU countries to find an appropriate mechanism.
"It’s a better solution than using our own money," Orpo added.
