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Finnish President Stubb Calls for Calm as Europe Faces Growing Russian Hybrid Threats
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Stubb Urges Europe to Remain Calm on Russian Sabotage Risks
Finnish President Alexander Stubb warned European partners that an exaggerated reaction to Russian hybrid and sabotage activities would play into Moscow’s strategy of intimidation. He urged allies to stay “cool, calm and collected” rather than adopt escalatory measures.
Context of Rising Russian Threats
In recent weeks, officials in Poland, the Czech Republic and other NATO members have warned that Russia could launch limited border incursions, false-flag operations, or large-scale influence campaigns within the coming months. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and the head of the Czech security service have both highlighted the possibility of drones or missiles being used against NATO states that support Ukraine. Germany, meanwhile, formally attributed an attempted drone attack at Leipzig Airport to Russia, a move Stubb praised as “the right course of action.”
Official Statements & Responses
Stubb told POLITICO during the U.N. Regarding diplomatic prospects, Stubb expressed tentative optimism about upcoming peace initiatives, including a possible framework for a Black Sea ceasefire and the prospect of a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit in December.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We have to be very careful and understand that Russia is trying to destabilize and scare Europe. And any time we overreact to a hybrid attack, they have actually won the battle in that particular way,” — Alexander Stubb, finnish president
- “But if we were to get, for instance, an idea or a framework for a ceasefire in the Black Sea linked to grain or to energy, I think this would be a move in the right direction.” — Alexander Stubb, finnish president
- “Let’s see what President Trump is able to do for the G20 meeting. Is he able to get Zelenskyy and Putin around the same table?” — Alexander Stubb, finnish president
- “No, I don’t think that’s sort of in the cards,” — Alexander Stubb, finnish president