President Sauli Niinistö told American CNN that Russia had never sought to overthrow President Zelensky’s government, according to Putin.
14.3. 20:49 • Updated March 14th. 20:53
President Sauli Niinistö told the Russian president in an interview with CNN last Friday about his talks with the Russian president Vladimir Putin with.
CNN was interviewed by a reporter Christiane Amanpour, which is a world-renowned war correspondent.
Niinistö said that according to Putin, Russia has a list of demands, but the change of regime in Ukraine has never been part of them.
Amanpour further asked Niinisto to confirm whether the general belief that Putin was going to march on Kiev, displacing the current administration and replacing it with his own puppet government was not true.
– He was very clear in his answer when I asked him that he had never demanded one, Niinistö replied.
Niinistö says he is worried about Russian airstrikes near the Polish border. However, he does not consider Russia’s attacks on NATO to be likely.
– I think he understands the big risk if he did, Niinistö said.
Niinistö estimates that Russia wants Putin to recognize Crimea and the wider Donbass region, not just the territory of the so-called People’s Republics.
According to Niinistö, Putin is also aiming for the demilitarization of Ukraine, and Putin believes that this is precisely what is going on in this war.
According to Niinistö, Putin shines with bitterness.
– She has made a mission for herself from the idea of Mother Russia, Niinistö said.
Amanpour asked Niinisto directly about his own possible fears.
– I’m not scared, and the Finns aren’t either. But we are on our guard. Putin is very determined in his actions, Niinistö said.
More news about the war in Ukraine can be found here.