Finland FM Warns of Diminishing Support for Ukraine, Calls West to “Redouble Their Efforts”

Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen voiced concerns over growing fatigue among Western nations in their support for Ukraine, warning that some countries are increasingly seeking a ceasefire options. She urged her counterparts in Western states to intensify their efforts to aid Kyiv, as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine drags on, Financial Times reported on October 15.

Valtonen acknowledged the strain that ongoing global conflicts are placing on international resources and attention, particularly with the escalation in the Middle East, which dominated discussions at the recent UN General Assembly.

“It’s real, and increasingly so,” said Elina Valtonen, commenting on western fatigue.

However, she pointed on the importance of maintaining support for Ukraine, warning that allowing Russia to succeed would undermine European defense credibility.

“There is still support for Ukraine, but the question is: what is enough?” she asked.

Valtonen also mentioned the need to strengthen sanctions against Russia, particularly targeting its “shadow fleet” of uninsured oil tankers, which Moscow has been using to bypass restrictions on crude oil sales. These vessels, she warned, pose significant environmental risks, especially in the Baltic Sea.

“These uninsured and substandard ships are not only evading the price cap but also endangering the environment, which is a major concern for us, particularly in the Baltic Sea,” Valtonen said.

She called for tighter sanctions and targeting financial institutions facilitating these transactions, because as winter approaches, the risk of accidents increases, particularly with the Baltic Sea freezing, she noted, urging Western nations to do more to address the threat.

Earlier, the EU adopted a new approach of support for Ukrainian army by starting to invest in Ukraine’s military industry.