The Finnish president says Moscow benefits when Europe reacts emotionally, while Berlin’s latest attribution signals a tougher response may be coming.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb called on European countries to respond calmly to Russia’s hybrid attacks while also preparing for a possible prolonged escalation.
Alexander Stubb said this in an interview with Politico.
In an interview with Politico, Stubb said that Europe must be prepared for prolonged hybrid and sabotage attacks. In his view, overreacting to such actions serves Moscow’s goals, as Russia seeks to intimidate its allies and weaken their support for Ukraine.
We must be very careful and understand that Russia is trying to destabilize and intimidate Europe. Every time we overreact to a hybrid attack, Russia effectively wins the battle in this particular respect.
– Alexander Stubb
The Finnish president also said that Russia is neither interested in nor capable of a full-scale military escalation. Therefore, in his assessment, Moscow will continue to use intimidation, while European countries must remain cool-headed.
They will continue to resort to intimidation, while we must remain cool-headed and calm in this situation.
– Alexander Stubb
Stubb welcomed Germany’s decision to hold Russia responsible for the attempted drone attack in Leipzig. He stressed that European states must directly point to Moscow’s actions and warn it of the possible consequences.