Sanctions on Russia must remain even if war ends: Finnish foreign minister

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen on Monday said that international pressure on Russia must continue even if the war in Ukraine comes to an end.

“The pressure must continue even if the war ends – a mere ceasefire or peace agreement is not sufficient grounds for lifting sanctions,” Valtonen told Finland’s annual Ambassadors’ Day gathering in Helsinki, according to the public broadcaster YLE.

She underlined that any dismantling of sanctions should be “gradual and under strict conditions,” and urged the EU to intensify pressure on Moscow.

Valtonen said the European bloc is preparing its 19th sanctions package and noted Finland is pushing for tariffs on Russian imports.

She reaffirmed that Finland will continue to provide military assistance to Ukraine and contribute to Kyiv’s long-term security guarantees “to the extent possible.”

Valtonen said Ukraine will eventually join both the EU and NATO, but emphasized that Kyiv must step up efforts to fight corruption and pursue governance reforms.

She voiced support for US President Donald Trump’s push for peace in Ukraine, saying it is essential to stop the fighting and secure the return of prisoners of war and abducted children.

Turning to Moscow, Valtonen said Russian President Vladimir Putin has “so far shown no intention of giving up his illegal expansionist ambitions.”

“He (Putin) participates in negotiations, enjoys the limelight and takes everything he can – without any genuine desire to make real concessions,” she said.

Valtonen warned that Russia continues to link potential peace talks to barring Ukraine from NATO, a condition she said undermines the country’s sovereignty.