The possible sabotage of the Finland-Estonia pipeline could be part of an operation aimed at intimidating Ukraine’s allies, and Helsinki should brace for further destabilization attempts. , former Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb told POLITICO.
Asked who or what could have caused the leak in the 77-kilometre Baltic Connector pipeline, Stubbe said: “I’m sure it wasn’t the Swedes.” “When the war started in Ukraine, we knew that hybrid cyber extortion was going to happen, and this is part of that.”
Stubb did not blame any particular actor, Russia or anyone else, for being behind Sunday’s pipeline leak. Finnish intelligence chief Antti Pertari said on Thursday that Helsinki had not ruled out the possibility that the leak was the result of sabotage by “state actors.”
But the former prime minister, who has held several positions within the government, including foreign minister, said it would have to be “carried out by multiple individuals” and could coincide with Russia’s attempts to destabilize Ukraine’s allies. Highlighted the sophistication of some potential sabotage actions.
“I myself started that particular Baltic Connector pipeline in cooperation with the Prime Minister of Estonia. We wanted to reduce our gas dependence on Russia, so we wanted a direct connection. [the connector] It is a natural target for anyone who wants to sever that link,” he said, adding that Finland was “ready” for further destabilization attempts.
Seven years after leaving the scene as Finland’s finance minister, the fitness-obsessed Mr Stubb, a triathlete and self-proclaimed “sports fanatic”, is back on the campaign trail, aiming to become the country’s next president in next January’s election. ing. Newspapers in September said he was neck-and-neck with Green Party candidate Pekka Haavisto. poll Written by YLE.
Whoever wins will play a key role in the Western alliance supporting Ukraine against a full-scale Russian invasion. Finland, which became a new member of NATO in April, is currently negotiating a deal with Washington to maintain a permanent U.S. presence in the country. The task of negotiating the deal falls to Finland’s president, who under the constitution is responsible for security and foreign policy, while the prime minister is responsible for the EU and domestic affairs.
“This is an ongoing process,” Stubb said of talks between Helsinki and Washington over a possible Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) that would include U.S. forces in Finland. Asked about the timing of the deal, Stubb said: “It’s imminent. I’d say within the next six months. These are complex deals and that’s why it’s taking a little while.”
Staying ‘calm’ with Trump
Finland’s president has traditionally served as a conduit for Western countries toward Russia, given the two countries’ close history that includes many wars.
However, after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Stubbe said relations between Helsinki and Moscow are unlikely to return to normal anytime soon. “Is there any chance that we will be able to have normal relations with Russia in the next six years? I think it is very unlikely. And even if there is such a relationship, it will only be at the behest of an ally. It won’t happen,” he said.
“So, if [U.S. President] “If Joe Biden called the president of Finland and asked if he could speak to President Putin, he probably would, but he would have to keep his other contacts private.”
After the Cold War, while other European countries lowered their defense capabilities, Finland maintained exceptional readiness.The country has 900,000 reservists, more than 15 percent of the population, of whom 280,000 can be mustered in a week, and Helsinki last year purchased Lockheed Martin’s 64 F35 fighter jets, valued at nearly $10 billion.
Against the backdrop of the threat of conflict with Russia, with which Finland has fought numerous wars, including the Winter War of 1939-1940, Helsinki has strengthened its deterrent capabilities by maintaining compulsory military service for all adult males over the age of 18. are encouraged to do so.
Given Finland’s significant defense investments, Stubb sounded relaxed about former US President Donald Trump’s chances of being re-elected next year. This prospect is worrying some EU countries as President Trump may try to downgrade the US’ involvement in NATO. Or even leave the alliance altogether.
“The political climate in the United States is toxic. It’s not based on facts. It’s like the world’s oldest democracy is creaking at the edge,” he said. “That being said, what I’m concerned about is Biden or someone like Biden or Trump or someone like Trump.” [winning the election]? No, because I think American foreign policy will remain the same whether we like it or not.? ”
That said, Stubb stressed that U.S. strategic priorities are “changing” and that after the Ukraine war ends, U.S. interests likely lie “somewhere” outside of Europe. EU countries need to prepare for change and help rebuild Ukraine, he added.
“Does Europe need to become more like Finland? Probably to some extent, but Europe now has the most secure walls…Will Europe become more militarized? The answer is yes. Budgetary spending “It’s going to increase. What about defense? The answer is yes,” he said.
In an interview with Politico in Brussels, three days after Israel stepped up attacks on the Gaza Strip following unprecedented attacks by Hamas militants, Stubb said Israel had a “full right” to defend itself. “In many ways, it’s an obligation,” he said.
“At the same time, it is very important to protect civilians and abide by the rules of humanity and international justice,” he added.
