Finland sends a powerful message to all of Europe

WORLD Finland sends a powerful message to all of Europe. As we enter 2024, Finland is sending a powerful message to all of Europe. Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, nearing the final months of his term in office, delivered his final New Year's address to the nation yesterday, marked by somber tones and worrying predictions for world peace. Appeal to Europe: “Wake up” Niinistö addressed Europe in particular, stating that the entire continent needs to "wake up." He expressed concern about continued support for Ukraine, where NATO has repeatedly sounded the alarm about slow arms production among its members. "I think it's not due to fatigue or a lack of will. A more serious issue is ensuring the ability to help in the long term," Niinistö said, according to Svenska Yle, adding: "Europe must wake up. Investments in arms production are not only necessary to provide the aid needed. They are necessary to ensure that Europe is strong, not for war, but for peace." The Finnish president offered little hope for 2024, and although he spoke at length about Ukraine, his words were pessimistic. "In Ukraine, the front has been almost at a standstill for a long time, but the war is constantly moving. It is being fought on battlefields where every day claims its victims. The civilian population is not safe either," said Sauli Niinistö. He also spoke about the conflict between Hamas and Israel. According to the president, there is no other option than a two-state solution. "The situation in Gaza is terrible. At first, terror showed its most evil and cruel face. This was met with a very heavy hand. The worst thing is the suffering and hardship that is affecting civilians on both sides of the conflict." Warns of a Trump scenario In his speech, Niinistö also called on European countries to take more responsibility in NATO, especially given speculation about the impact of the American election on security cooperation, i.e. if Donald Trump returns to power. The president also said that the Putin regime is difficult to analyze. "Russia is never as strong as it seems, and never as weak as it appears. Russia's intention to defeat Ukraine in a few weeks failed as the Ukrainians' courage overcame the attack."