Russia’s use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine may be its ‘last mistake,’ says Finnish defense minister
Minister of Defense of Finland Antti Kaikkonen (Photo:Lehtikuva/Antti Yrjonen via REUTERS)
The threshold for the use of nuclear weapons by Russia is still high, and if the Kremlin resorts to such a step, it will be its last mistake, Finnish Defense Minister Antti Kaikkonen told Finnish newspaper Yle on Oct. 15.
Kaikkonen noted that both the European Union and NATO had already warned Moscow that the West’s reaction to the use of nuclear weapons would be harsh.
According to Kaikkonen, it is prudent not to say exactly what this would mean so that Russia cannot use the information.
The minister said it was important that the West’s approach to Russia’s actions and support for Ukraine remains unified, as Russia is testing the unity of the West.
“Ukraine needs all kinds of help: ammunition and weapons for the front,” Kaikkonen said.
“A cold winter is coming, and those soldiers leaving Finland for Ukraine will definitely need winter equipment.”
At the moment, Finland has provided Ukraine with nine packages of defense equipment worth about EUR 105 million.
The next assistance package is already being prepared, and the relevant decision will be made at the end of autumn, Kaikkonen said.
“At this point, it seems the war will largely be decided on the battlefield, and it will likely take some time,” he added.
Earlier Finnish President Sauli Niinistö announced he currently has no plans to hold talks with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
However, he said it was important that Europeans have the opportunity to hold a discussion with the aggressor country when the appropriate time comes.
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