Finland’s Stubb warns against easing sanctions on Russia, calls for tougher measures

Yle reported the information.

Stubb commented on the ceasefire agreement between Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea, brokered under U.S. leadership in Saudi Arabia. The President of Finland emphasized that Russia had made the partial lifting of sanctions a condition.

"We are once again in a situation where agreements made with Russia are rarely trustworthy. We will not be lifting sanctions, but rather strengthening them," Stubb said.

He added that in such a scenario, Russia would likely initiate peace talks and a ceasefire.

The Finnish President also addressed the possibility of sending Finnish peacekeepers to Ukraine, stating that Finland's policy is not to send ground troops to Ukraine.

"But it is important to keep the option open for sending troops later in the peace process, under an international mandate," Stubb said.

• On March 26, the EU said it would consider lifting sanctions against Russia if all troops are withdrawn from Ukraine.