Pressure on new sanctions against Russia is growing. Foreign Minister Pekka Haaviston believes that sanctions will also be imposed on oil imported from Russia.
11.4. 19: 07 • Updated April 11. 19:41
BRUSSELS EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg did not take new decisions on sanctions against Russia. However, the imposition of new sanctions was discussed.
– My own bet is that oil will be added to this group, Haavisto comments after the meeting.
According to Haavisto, some member states want transition periods for possible new energy sanctions. He understands the concerns related to security of supply and energy supply.
– If a situation arose in a European country where the government collapsed due to energy protests, it would not help Europe but, on the contrary, Russia and Putin, as it would create tensions and divisions within the European Union.
According to Haavisto, the current sanctions also have an impact on Russia’s ability to wage war in Ukraine.
– Gradually, they begin to bite and affect all Russian production, including arms production.
The EU is increasing its arms assistance to Ukraine
The EU is also increasing its arms assistance to Ukraine. Funding will be increased from the current billion to one and a half billion euros.
The aim is to meet Ukraine’s wishes for more far-reaching and heavier armaments.
– Probably the number of those who can offer this is perhaps decreasing here. Now we are clearly preparing for a conflict focusing on eastern Ukraine, to which Russia is also moving its troops around Kiev, Haavisto says.
NATO countries have an interest in supporting Finland
Haavisto also comments on Finland’s NATO process. The government is expected to report on the matter the day after tomorrow, Wednesday. Haavisto anticipates rapid consideration in Parliament.
– This is certainly not a slow process.
However, it is important for democracy that time is given to the parties to form their position, Haavisto continues. According to him, a fast and smooth membership process is also in the interests of the current NATO countries.
– Yes, it would also be a very difficult situation for NATO if the countries applying for membership were exposed to a major security threat. It would follow that no one would dare to apply for NATO membership.
According to Haavisto, the situation has been discussed with individual member states. According to him, there is a lot of understanding of the situation in Finland and Sweden.
– We are certainly not the only ones thinking about security issues during the application period.
The main responsibility for Finland’s security also lies with the Defense Forces during the possible application process, Haavisto emphasizes.
– Nobody’s going to replace it.