Finland to join Ukraine’s security deal without offering guarantees
Addressing reporters, Orpo emphasized Finland’s limitations while affirming its willingness to contribute. “As a small country, we cannot guarantee or provide security guarantees, but we will certainly participate in security arrangements,” he said.
He clarified that there have been no determinations regarding the deployment of Finnish or other European troops to Ukraine. “Let's make these preparations and see what role is suitable for Finland,” Orpo added.
The high-level gathering, known as the Eastern Flank Summit, includes heads of government and state from countries along the EU’s eastern perimeter, such as Sweden, the Baltic nations, Poland, Bulgaria, and Romania, along with the EU commissioner responsible for defense and space affairs. The discussions center on strengthening defenses along the EU’s eastern border and coordinating continued backing for Ukraine.
According to Orpo, the meeting is expected to initiate practical planning for the EU’s major security project known as the Eastern Flank Watch, aimed at monitoring and reinforcing the bloc’s eastern defenses.
He also referenced forthcoming talks at Thursday’s European Council meeting in Brussels, where leaders are set to debate the potential use of frozen Russian assets to assist Ukraine.
While some member states, including Belgium and Bulgaria, have expressed reservations about such a move, Orpo suggested Belgium’s position would be particularly influential and voiced confidence that Bulgaria could be persuaded.
Reflecting on recent diplomatic efforts, Orpo characterized Sunday’s talks in Berlin as productive, describing them as a “success.” He said that Ukraine, European partners, and the United States had reached “a strong common will” regarding peace conditions and the direction of future negotiations.
Although he acknowledged that certain countries, such as Italy and the Czech Republic, remain hesitant, Orpo noted that the broader EU membership largely supports the current approach.
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