Elina Valtonen: Russia is a threat to itself | Foreign countries

Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen spoke at the ambassador’s day in Helsinki.

Foreign minister Elina Valtonen (co.) says that Russia is a threat to itself.

Valtonen spoke on Monday in Helsinki at the Ambassador’s Days, where the leadership of Finland’s foreign policy meets with ambassadors.

– Russia’s biggest threat is Russia and its idea itself. They are withering away, Valtonen said.

Valtonen describes that Russia sees obstacles to its own activities in different directions, and the biggest obstacle is the freedom of nations to decide their own affairs.

According to Valtonen, Russia is not Finland’s enemy.

– Finland does not threaten Russia, and Russia is not our enemy. Our opponents are Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, Russia’s illegal expansion efforts, and its desire to use power where according to international law it belongs to others.

In addition to Valtonen, for example the prime minister will speak at the ambassador’s day Petteri Orpo (collective), Minister of Finance Riikka Purra (ps.) and on Tuesday the president Alexander Stubb.