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Finland Advocates for Balanced Military Limits in Potential Ukraine Peace Agreement
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By Lucas Fernandez, World Today News | Published: October 26, 2023
Helsinki is pushing for a reciprocal approach to any potential peace negotiations regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonenová stated that if a peace plan includes limitations on the size or capabilities of the Ukrainian armed forces, it must concurrently impose similar restrictions on the Russian military.
EU Ministers Discuss Peace Prospects
The call for balance came during a remote meeting of European Union foreign ministers on Wednesday,convened to discuss potential pathways towards peace talks concerning russia’s war in Ukraine. Espreso TV initially reported on Valtonenová’s remarks, citing the finnish daily Yle as the source.
“Aggressor and victim Cannot Be Held to Different Standards”
Valtonenová forcefully argued that imposing constraints on the defending nation while allowing the aggressor to maintain its military strength is fundamentally unjust. “It stands to reason that if there are requirements or limitations placed on the victim, for exmaple regarding the size of the defense force, then there should be at least similar requirements placed on the attacker,” she asserted. “There is a need to limit the capabilities of the Russian armed forces.”
Acknowledging russian Resistance, But Maintaining Hope
The Finnish Minister acknowledged that Russia is unlikely to willingly accept such a proposition. Though, she expressed confidence that moscow could be persuaded to comply, especially if presented with limited alternatives and facing broad international consensus. This international support, she believes, is already significant.
A history of Russian Aggression
Valtonenová underscored the historical pattern of Russian foreign policy, emphasizing that Moscow has consistently posed a threat to its neighboring countries, rather than the other way around. She cautioned that even a cessation of hostilities in Ukraine would not eliminate the underlying russian threat, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and preparedness.
Ukraine’s Right to Self-determination
Concluding her remarks, Valtonenová firmly reiterated Finland’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and its right to determine its own future. “Only Ukraine can determine the terms of peace that concern it,” she stated. “Finland’s support for Ukraine’s right to self-determination is unwavering.”
