Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has called on the West to ramp up pressure on Russia, stating that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has shown no willingness to honor a ceasefire or engage in meaningful peace talks.
He made the remarks in an interview with Yle Radio Suomi on Sunday, Ukrinform reports.
“At the moment, I don’t believe there’s anything else to be done than for the West, the United States and Europe together with like-minded nations, to increase pressure on Russia — to support Ukraine’s army in repelling Russia’s continued attacks,” Orpo said.
He emphasized the need for more sanctions to force Russia toward a ceasefire and peace process.
“Europe is preparing a new sanctions package for the next summit. The United States — meaning Trump, in practice — already has a very tough sanctions package in place. I hope the U.S. will now come to the conclusion that Russia is playing for time, and now is the time to implement those sanctions,” Orpo added.
He also described the suffering caused by Russia in Ukraine as “shocking,” referring to his recent visit to the country.
Orpo’s trip to Ukraine drew domestic criticism after he visited a Hesburger production and logistics facility near Kyiv — an appearance that included sampling hamburgers, even as Russian missiles targeted Ukrainian cities.
Orpo also visited the site of a recent Russian missile strike in Kyiv’s Sviatoshynskyi district, accompanied by Ukraine’s Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko and Head of the State Emergency Service Andrii Danyk.
Photo: Valtioneuvosto
Source: Finnish PM: West must increase pressure on Russia to end war in Ukraine
