Niinistö visited the BBC’s Hard talk program. The president talked about his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The president of the Republic Sauli Niinistö visited the British broadcasting company BBC on Monday In the Hard talk program (you switch to another service).
Program editor Stephen Sackur asked Niinistö about Finland’s relationship with Russia and the president’s personal relationship with the Russian president to Vladimir Putin.
In the interview, Niinistö admitted that Putin is responsible for war crimes in Ukraine, such as the series of war crimes in the town of Butša.
– It seems that he [Putin] is responsible for what has happened and has committed criminal acts, Niinistö says to Sackuri.
However, Niinistö did not directly admit that Putin is a war criminal.
However, Niinistö said that investigations are underway and the crimes should be judged according to international legal practice.
Russia has reportedly tortured and killed hundreds of civilians in Butša. The crimes have come to light as Russia retreats from the region.
In the interview, Sackur also asked Niinistö about Finns’ readiness for possible tensions with Russia due to joining the military alliance NATO.
In an interview recorded in Helsinki, Niinistö described Finland’s relationship with Russia as reserved.
– We have centuries of experience in Russia. We are on our guard. I would think that every Finn is on guard when talking about Russia. The fear is perhaps even an exaggeration, Niinistö said.
Finland supports the dialogue connection with Russia
In the interview, Sackur wondered how Finland, like several other EU countries, can support peace negotiations with Putin, even though the bloodshed of Putin’s army is widely known.
Niinistö also took a stand on the topic at the opening of the national defense course. On Monday at Säätytalo, Niinistö emphasized that efforts must be made to maintain the discussion connection with Moscow.
The president said that for the sake of peace, it is worth making efforts that may be futile. He said that he therefore likes, for example, the president of France Emmanuel Macron’s and the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s efforts to maintain dialogue with Moscow.
Niinistö has an exceptional relationship with Putin
In recent years, Niinistö has had to maintain closer contact with Putin than most Western leaders. Niinistö has even been called the interpreter of Putin’s thoughts.
Sackur also points out Niinistö’s close relationship with Putin, for example because the presidents have played hockey together and Niinistö has introduced Putin to his mother.
Niinistö reacted to Sackuri’s statement with amusement.
In recent years, Niinistö has met Putin dozens of times. In May, Niinistö also called Putin personally to announce Finland’s accession to NATO.
– He took it very calmly, said that you are making a mistake. He also said he doesn’t like it [että Suomi liittyisi Natoon] and considers it a threat to Russia. I’m sure he knew why I was calling and that he had decided to take the situation calmly, Niinistö described to the BBC.
He was the first to write about it in Finland Ilta-Sanomat (you switch to another service).