Finnish President Sauli Niinisto: 'We are not afraid of Russia' • FRANCE 24 English

Finnish President Sauli Niinisto spoke with FRANCE 24’s Marc Perelman during the Munich Security Conference. The president discussed Finland’s plans to join NATO, whether Western leaders misjudged Russian President Vladimir Putin prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and whether there is a risk that Russian military action will expand further into Europe.
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[@johanvanbeek7138]

He doesn't let reporters put words in his mouth, great control.

[@PharisaerWatch]

yeah especially the "no one believed Russia would go this far"......yeh right...France24 was like: "you warmongering U.S.A stop saying Russia will invade!!!! President Macron just went to Putin and sat at that ridiculous long table and Putin said he wouldn't invade!!!!!" haha, I love how they forget that it was actually France24 that believed everything Putin said. edit: spell check

[@gs8099]

You are absolutely right. The interviewer is trying so hard just like Stoltenberg, the chief arm dealer.

[@musaka2022]

@@PharisaerWatch The French just like being contrarian, it's in their blood.

[@STUDlOIC]

From the very first question, the reporter is nodding as he speaks, trying to hypnotize the president, fascinating.

[@geem8011]

@@STUDlOIC He does look a little fishy now that you mention it.

[@suicidalbanananana]

Wish more leaders would be like this guy, such a smart and calm guy. Plus he earns bonus points for some decent passive aggressive comments towards Russia and Turkey without any sort of rude words, respect.

[@zoolkhan]

hungary will have some choice words passive agressivity coming soon as well :/ as a finn i have little hope we ever get into nato with orban or erdogan in power. civil defense courses and volunteer/reservist excercises on an all time high.

[@undexvedichi3167]

niinistö did not stick his head out of the biden fly .... Until the last Finn for bidenhitler's happiness... Sadness.

[@Cloud-dq1mr]

@@zoolkhan luckily you ended up being wrong, congratulations brother :)

[@thestraightroad305]

“We are not afraid, but we are well awake.” This is a call to all free nations.

[@n.c9653]

Everybody is owned by the moneyed elites in 'free nations'. Your freedom is an illusion

[@KentonJoseph]

@@radovan739 Yes, really.

[@petertwiss4215]

@rado van GDP of Russia = 1.6 trillion. GDP of the NATO alliance = 42 trillion. The outcome is inevitable. Fascist dictatorships will lose!

[@oceanwave4502]

Taliban also said they weren't afraid of Americans, but why didn't they get airtime on western medias, like this?

[@haraldbjthunem4059]

@@oceanwave4502 ❤️🇺🇦 SLAVA UKRAINI 🇺🇦❤️

[@NhanNguyen-su4fl]

God bless Finland ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ytplol8446]

@rado van For no-no squares, legal beastiality, depression, khlamydia (the band, and probably also the.. less diserable thing) and finally.. bunkers..

[@C0ldWarrior]

@rado van For keeping people like you wondering what freedom and courage is all about.

[@Fr33domofSpeech]

We love you Finland🥰, my wife and I have visit your beautiful Country so many times we love it so much, the people of Finland are so beautiful 💕🤗🙏Stay strong Love💕 and Hugs from Australia Down Under

[@inso80]

And you are welcome back whenever you choose to do so.

[@egddios]

My grandparents, Heikki and Kerrtu, are watching from above, in spirit, with pride. 🇫🇮💙💛🇺🇦

[@kristoferkolumbus8288]

Kerttu. ❤

[@leifhall2289]

I really like to work with finns, they say what they mean and they do what they say, reliability! I am Swedish by the way.

[@agatastaniak7459]

And sometimes they speak in specific scandic manner as in here which can be understood by people who got to experience scandic culture but which goes not so clearly understood outside of the scandic cultural circle. What would be good to consider while speaking to other european nations in tv studio with a French reporter. Unfortunately certain elements of strong and clear scandic discourse which is aimed at being non-conflictual sound like being evasive and imprecise in public discourse of non-scandic european countries. Other than that, yes, Finland is quite admirable country and approach of Finland to many things in the context of Ukraine is also quite impressive. But can Finland improve on public discourse for the purposes of communication with non-scnadic nations? Yes, definitely.

[@perseapina]

@@agatastaniak7459 can you clarify what you mean more specifically?

[@techpiller2558]

@@agatastaniak7459 The Scandic countries near the Scandic mountains, Sweden, Norway and Denmark don't consider Finland part of Scandinavia. Finland is part of the Nordics with the Scandic countries, where Iceland is too.

[@KentonJoseph]

@@techpiller2558 NORway isn't Nordic?

[@sean-hu2fo]

@@KentonJoseph did even read what he wrote. First read, comprehend and then compose the proper response. Good grief!

[@tanchiewleong59]

Finland is the only country which managed to give Russia a bloody nose during the last war. Salute the brave and courageous warriors of Finland.

[@tomabocas15]

''Bloody nose'' at what cost? Cost is never considered isn't?

[@techpiller2558]

@@tomabocas15 One to ten casualties.

[@tomabocas15]

@@techpiller2558 30000 finest Finland men dead. And after amassing massive casualties ussr still got what they initially asked and even more.

[@susanna8612]

@@tomabocas15 keeping our independence.

[@duhni4551]

@Kaunis Kaukomieli No matter how many times Russia changes their name they are still Russia, you know it as well as i do.

[@rc666]

He is a smart person and politician.

[@1875harri]

He is being political. Not smart. Finland has been part of Russia until 1917. That's enough for Putin to go back on that and claim that Finland is one of Mother Russia's children.

[@uus292]

Most finns are calm people and their decisions are not emotional. It helps a lot politicians.

[@HumanBeingsRThinkingBeings]

Mind Begs the Question: NATO equipped to Take On Russia over Ukraine/Petro Dollar NATO not equipped to Take On China over Concentration Camps?

[@IusedtohaveausernameIliked]

I like this Niinisto guy. We need more politicians who are unafraid to stand up to dictators and are not willing to hide in the shadows. All of us NATO partners need to welcome Finland and Sweden into the alliance. They will be very valuable members. Russia must not be allowed to benefit from their violence and what's more is that we must not be afraid. Fear is the only true enemy. Slava Ukraini from Canada.

[@danniionderwater]

We stand by you both!! 🇸🇪🇫🇮🇳🇱🫶

[@joniniiranen2741]

Ill smoke for that 😶‍🌫️😉

[@catamaransailor8531]

As do we 🇺🇸

[@ytplol8446]

@rado van No, Finland is technically Finish 🤣🙏 with an extra "n"..

[@chicomacdonald7843]

Now, that's a leader.Glory to Finland. Canada here

[@MrUntapishtim]

Now glory to Finland too? LOL

[@clavichord]

Hello, Canada 😁

[@Shortman751]

Can't you Canuck's take all the Ukraine refugee's?

[@KentonJoseph]

@@Shortman751 7 million have already went back home. Get with the times, you're a bit slow.

[@gfys756]

@@KentonJoseph lol you honestly believe that? "7 million already went home" 😂👍

[@catamaransailor8531]

Maximum respect to Finland and their people

[@ytplol8446]

No. Lol..

[@kavorka8855]

Thank you!

[@historyouuu3495]

Why ... thx ...

[@Heikinnen0301]

Maxium thanks

[@markus9641]

@@ytplol8446 A turk has been spotted 🤮

[@Eskolol]

Sauli's law background really shining through. Not saying anything that he can't prove or back. Doesn't let people put words in his mouth and not being overly dramatic. Perhaps one of the best presidents we've had, if not the best. No pressure to the guy who is gonna be the next in line.

[@zeppo8463]

Do you know the other presidents?

[@golds335]

What a nice man.

[@olofjansson7911]

He is a great leader and our neighbour is a great country.😎🇺🇦🇫🇮🇸🇪

[@dewinjarju8133]

Pinsamt o läsa. Barnslighetens barn nivå som heja Sverige heja Finland. Va fan tror du det här är? Hockey? Väx upp och utveckla dig ifrån era fåniga urlöjliga beteenden som kan höra hemma i hemmet inte där folk dör varje dag pågrund av fånigheter och idioti och arrogans!

[@user-tg3gp8gb9v]

The "great ones" are hiding under the skirt of NATO (USA) hahaha.But it won't help you Russians anyway, if you threaten Russia (which by the way gave Finland statehood), you will give Lapland, like Karelia at the time

[@patrickdematteis4178]

Jäkla pajas. Tyst me dig din 🤡

[@olofjansson7911]

@@patrickdematteis4178 Trollsvar från en riktig pajas!

[@patrickdematteis4178]

@@olofjansson7911 tyst sa ja. Du ska va tyst !

[@MarilynFinland]

As a Finn I must say this comment section is absolutely heartwarming. Thank you all for your kind words. 🙏

[@donquixote1502]

C´mon, we are brothers!

[@familiari5533]

Morjesta

[@MarilynFinland]

@@familiari5533 Moro

[@yoloswagtron6920]

So proud to have some of the toughest bastards on earth standing shoulder to shoulder with us in NATO.

[@samulimaunula5208]

Samat sanat.

[@Tripptrapp100]

Sauli, always such an honest straightshooter in the interviews I've seen. The Finns are lucky to have him 🇸🇪 ♥️ 🇫🇮

[@HumanBeingsRThinkingBeings]

Mind Begs the Question: NATO,Corporates capable to Boycott Russia over Ukraine/Petro Dollar NATO,Corporates not capable to Boycott China over Concentration Camps?

[@fantommorbius5175]

🤣🤣🤣

[@baardagaam]

Indeed, that's just a straight shooter with upper management written all over him...

[@marles139]

@@fantommorbius5175 Emojis aren't an argument. Sorry.

[@goldbullet50]

He talked about NATO referendum for about 20 years, but when the time had arrived, we got no referendum.

[@robt3078]

Sauli is a great man. Calm, realistic, straight to the point and honest. A true Finn. Couldn’t have asked for a better neighbour. from Stockholm

[@kirsienckelman2892]

He is a treitor.

[@he1No.]

@@kirsienckelman2892 wtf do u mean

[@kirsienckelman2892]

@@christatiivola454 So???

[@morojaba]

She probably means that he likes to trade a lot, she just misspelled trader. Maybe stamps? Well whatever old ppl collect, I dunno.

[@gol622]

Love this Man.. good and honest...🇫🇮🇫🇮🇸🇪🇪🇺🇺🇦💛💙👌😎

[@kirsienckelman2892]

Honest...ei helvetti 😂

[@AndyGrouch]

@@kirsienckelman2892 Mene töihin.

[@johntokn]

I've been an admirer of President Ninisto for a long time. This interview just fortifies my admiration.

[@dmn4794]

Cuz ummm 🙄 You grow food in you're cold - mosquito infested- ☢️ boulder of a "country... Yeah ? Don't get me started on you're drinking water & why y'all so displaced.. But don't worry - we'll fix it 😏.. Believe.

[@mickeyfilmer5551]

A man of principles. The UK government should take note!!

[@RyanVaudrin]

was going to say the same thing.

[@agatastaniak7459]

He comes off as a very balanced and down-to-earth individual, not afraid of making his point, that's for sure. However his scandic manner does soften this impression in the eyes of Europeans used to more straightforward forms of public discourse. And French general public is used to being more straighforward than he is. So his perception outside of Finland might be a bit softer than inside Finland or inside any other scandic country. To me he comes as off a very strong personality given scandic standards. And very outspoken one. I think as for Finnish standards. Especially given that even for scandic standards Finns are really people of few words.

[@haraldbjthunem4059]

@@agatastaniak7459 Finns are siblings to Scandinavians - and loved and respected by all.

[@donquixote1502]

As a Swede, I will understand and accept any decision from the Finnish Government due to our NATO applications. I too as Niinistö said, see no reason to contact this 🤡 in Turkey. Sweden and Finland fulfills all the demands from NATO. That should be enough.

[@annflynn7209]

Exactly! Another swede here.

[@neilclark8087]

Don't let shady Erdogan play the game of dividing Sweden and Finland on the matter. Both countries forwarded their application to NATO jointly and NAtO as a whole has to deal with Hungary's and Turkey's blackmailing. I am sure NATO and EU could put a little more squeeze on Erdogan. Turkey is in severe economic troubles, running inflation and is member of the EU customs union.

[@agatastaniak7459]

Procedure is what it is like. Applications have to be ratified in all countries which already are NATO member countries. As for this, we may like it or not but diplomacy has been invented for a reason. Such reason could be a situation like this in which clearly Turkey seeks to bargain and to strike a baragain. Of course all NATO will respect how Sweden, Finland and Turkey will resolve this situation given their best interest and their bargaining power. Each current NATO country has been through moments like this in its own due time, with multiple countries. It also refects how decisons are being made inside NATO,through collective bargaining mechanism, so it's a good drill before procedeeings inside the NATO itself on a regular basis. Since if either or both applying countries join NATO Turkey isn't going anywhere and there will be more of times when talking to Turkey will be required. All NATO countries had to learn how to go about it. And yes, it requires effort and skill. Like everything else in life.

[@RazorMouth]

Well it would be good for Sweden to have a NATO country between it and Russia.

[@uschurch]

Turkey and Hungary out, Finland and Sweden in!

[@tonylyons7711]

We are all with Finland in Europe..🙏🙏

[@janohman4387]

@@sanderlucioperca Lucioperca from the Netherlands 🤣🤣

[@natura808]

Speak for your own self please 🙏

[@olevaiti4302]

@@sanderlucioperca Do you also like to kill masses of innocent women and children without any cause. Ruskie troll.

[@exentr]

@@natura808 You are anti RuZZian and pro Nato. You just don't understand the irony

[@kd8199]

@@sanderlucioperca 😂🤣😂

[@yp77738yp77739]

Very impressive individual, Finns are lucky to have such a man, seems an honest broker. I like him, so different to the politicians in other European countries.

[@avetsuper6272]

Not all eyes see that way

[@yp77738yp77739]

@@avetsuper6272 Where am I being naive please? The main contentious issues I see are in joining NATO and also immigration, both of which have positive and negative outcomes.

[@smoochywoochy]

I'm half Fin in America. So proud of President Niinisto! SISU!

[@eonk5703]

A smart and savvy leader who knows what he's talking about. Respect!

[@majormoolah5056]

Our President is a wise and experienced man. Always keep your options open and use reason to evaluate what is best.

[@JonathanMullan25]

President Sauli Niinisto is an absolute legend, my Finnish family are lucky to have someone like him in these times.

[@mattipaivinen3568]

Disagree.

[@sterilesteve5565]

@@mattipaivinen3568 explain pls 😁

[@itsleksa8230]

​@@sterilesteve5565 yea idk what this guy taiking ab we have no corrution happiest country Rich country strong country why the president bad

[@tesslake6787]

Thanks Finland ! Coming from an American who have generations coming from Finland … ya are so awesome president of Finland!!

[@joniniiranen2741]

U are Finnish decent?

[@jacquismith3078]

Love this gut, sauli Ninistro. He is so direct and honest, rare qualities in a politician. Bravo!

[@phil20_20]

I love his dry humor. He always manages to crack me up when I least expect it! Lol

[@freddiecruz2670]

God Bless Finland and it's people.

[@currawong60911368]

My compliments to these two men conducting this interview in English. We appreciate it.

[@henriikkak2091]

They did struggle a bit here.

[@inso80]

@@henriikkak2091 Not really for 2 guys speaking their third languages. The questions were as clear as the answers.

[@gena4ka]

What a fine man! Love from Latvia!

[@tompara2]

Bravo Finland, bravo Finland!

[@studiodevis]

As a Eu citizen I admire and respect Mr President Sauli Niinisto and the Finnish peoples. In the opposite side of courage, dignity and democracy is Hungary with Victor Orban.

[@inso80]

I'd like to think we set an example of what anyone can be. It is not easy and has not been easy to get here. And we still have work to do. But I feel like we make a difference with how we conduct ourselves and set a bar.

[@cisy6790]

His answers are very balanced, He seems a very pragmatic person with self awareness 👍

[@Tuppoo94]

Sauli Niinistö was elected for his second term in 2018 as an independent. He won the election in the first round with 62.7% of the popular vote, becoming the first ever Finnish president to be elected in the first round. Among the members of all major Finnish political parties, he was more popular than each party's own top candidate. His service as Finland's face to the world has been tremendously important and valuable, and I will certainly miss him when he steps down in 2024.

[@HughRiddle]

Wish we all had such a leader.

[@bittoochatterjee2661]

INDIA HAS Modi As ITS PM Largest Population In The World Largest Democratic Country In The World The Only Country On Whose Name Exist an Ocean called Indian Ocean 7Th Largest Country In The World 3Rd Largest Economy PPP Wise In The World 5th Largest Economy Nominal GDP Wise In The World 2 Largest Army Army In The World Global Fire Power Ranked 04 In The World What Does FINLAND HAVE🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔😕😕😕😕😕😕👀👀😁😁😂😂

[@omaerarafat1202]

He knows the deal, excellent politician, and is a smart leader. becomes his fan after watching his first-ever interview.

[@SunnyIlha]

He is an Honorable Man, a good Man. He is a great Leader.

[@donaldmcfatridge4138]

Canada stands behind the great nation of Finland - except of course when it comes to international hockey then our elbows get real pointy.

[@nilslarson7532]

here from europe big kudos to Canada in its effort to constantly escalate this proxy conflict from far away . Your deputy PM (with her ukrainian background) is ready for the NATO position after Stoltenberg . Well done !

[@kristoferkolumbus8288]

It is always a 60 minutes war, CAN vs FIN :)

[@petrijokinen4394]

😂😂🫶🇫🇮🫶 Finland 1 Hockey💪

[@JimmyRingz]

Thank you to great peaceful country of Canada!! And yes, the hockey part is more than understandable😄 also thank you for inventing hockey, our favorite sport🙂

[@inso80]

Nothing beats beating Sweden, but beating Canadia is in a solid second place.

[@jamesdean1283]

Finland is a heroic nation. It was the first nation to experience the monstrosity that Russia is. It courageously stood up to the evil from the East and it saved it's people from abyss in the form of gulags, repression, crime, corruption, etc. Glory to Finland.

[@nilslarson7532]

they should have paid a heavy price for taking active military side with nazi Germany when attacking Sovjet.

[@edonveil9887]

​@@nilslarson7532 Who says they didn't, gospodin Larsov?

[@ytplol8446]

Imagine hating your closest brothers lol..

[@Jussi.Rintamaa]

@@nilslarson7532 You really don't know at all what you're talking about.

[@paulgibbon5991]

@@nilslarson7532 Botski reported. May you soon be drafted.

[@ronaldcole7415]

Finland too has had Russia invade its lands before having land taken. But now it's very, very different in Finland. Finland is the only country in the world that can shelter 100% of its population under ground for literally any type of attack. Their border defenses are specifically built and well maintained to be years long meat grinders for any invading army. There's are reason Finland doesn't fear Russia.

[@finnicpatriot6399]

Most of Russia's core territory is made up of stolen Finnic land. Even Moscow was a Finnic Meryan town once.

[@JohnTavastian]

@@finnicpatriot6399 no en nyt ihan sanois noin

[@anderpanders6210]

only on one border, our two other borders are not as well protected; for obvious reasons

[@finnicpatriot6399]

@@JohnTavastian Totta se on.

[@JohnTavastian]

@@finnicpatriot6399 henkilö jolle vastasin on poistanut kommenttinsa, en siis sanonut nain alkuperäisestä kommentista

[@tamasgyorffy1]

My first impression and thought is that "you Finns are lucky to have such a President and such a Prime Minister!" ..... from Hungary, the not-any-more-democracy

[@larsrons7937]

I hope that Hungary will return to the path of democracy and freedom, and wish you all of luck in that. And hope that the rest of us can help somehow. For Hungary, and for Europe. Greetings.

[@-NEH-]

The whole of Europe is watching Hungary with tears running and in disbelief. How can you look at the way you are looking at now. How is it possible you want to take that path...

[@tamasgyorffy1]

@@hp8783 thx bro

[@kisoaa]

Dont agree about prime minister. She is tough and good politician but she does not know how to run economics. Niinistö is one of the only trustworthy politician in Finland and it is cos he does not belong any parties. He got over 60% votes even without political party.

[@uschurch]

its interesting that the Hungarian government wants to lick Putin's boot. the same boot that trampled Hungarian rights in 1956.

[@nully.emptier]

I admire Niinisto's clear mind

[@Robert-zp2lw]

From Sweden we have a LOT to learn from our neighbor Finland. They have made many good decisions about matters that Sweden has totally failed. I really like president Sauli. He is exactly what Sweden needs. Unfortunately we dont have any one like him.

[@Tuppoo94]

And we don't really have anyone to replace him with next year. Don't even get me started on our current government. I'm surprised they've lasted almost their entire term.

[@MegaStefa90]

We in Europe are all with Finland!

[@absoluteanonomity6994]

we are not.

[@g4joe]

Bolloks 👎🇬🇧

[@theraiderra8798]

@@sanderlucioperca

[@cyberfunk3793]

@@sanderlucioperca You and the 2 other people supporting Russia in EU, the rest are civlized that don't support war criminals.

[@josa3502]

@@sanderlucioperca Live in Netherlands and support Russia?Well,well! Maybe you want to be invade?You are living long distance from Russia.Finland has a very long border to hell.The understand better what Russia stands for.Did you support Hitler when Germany invaded Netherlands?

[@BugsbunnyEh]

I love Finland president very smart and clam. He knows all the questions and the answers to them. Very good interview.

[@warren6891]

Love Finland it's people they know how to deal with it and known the risk of Russia being next door since ww2 and stayed prepared better than most of not all others in Europe.

[@inso80]

We've known what is next door for a thousand years.

[@trevortrevortsr2]

Finland is in safe hands with this guy

[@oraakkeli]

Its a shame that hes only going to be in power until 2024.. i wish he could remain as our president forever

[@NellasxElensar]

Yep... until next year when he's going to step down after two terms .__. His successor's got big shoes to fill!

[@haraldbjthunem4059]

Top top President Niinisto. What a president (and PM) the Finns got ! ❤️ 🇫🇮 FINLAND🇫🇮 + NATO ❤️

[@Steve-ff6nc]

This man, This leader makes perfect sense for his country

[@petervautmans199]

the little smile when he said Russia needed their troops elswhere

[@henriikkak2091]

That's Finnish humor. Dark, dry, almost imperceptible

[@busanimthati8201]

I like this Finland 🇫🇮 president He’s an honourable man

[@nick4819]

I love you Finland!

[@bittoochatterjee2661]

INDIA IS ALSO NOT AFRAID OF RUSSIA,🌹🌹❤❤ Russia is best friend of India ❤❤🌹🌹🙏 INDIA HAS MODI AS ITS PM❤❤ India Largest Population in the World❤❤ India Largest Democratic Country in the World ❤❤ India the Only Country on Whose Name Exist an Ocean called Indian Ocean❤❤ India 7Th Largest Country in the World❤❤ India 3Rd Largest Economy PPP Wise in the World❤❤ India 5th Largest Economy Nominal GDP Wise In the World❤❤ India 2 Largest Army in the World ❤❤ India Global Fire Power Ranked 04 in the World ❤❤ Indian Navy 04 Largest in the World World Air Power Index 2022: Indian Air Force Ranks 3rd... Indian Air Force 03Rd Largest in the World INDIA IS ALSO NOT AFRAID OF RUSSIA, Russia is best friend of India❤❤ 🌹🌹❤❤😍😍👍👍😊😊🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏✌✌💖💖💕💕😘😘👌👌🙏🙏 What Does FINLAND HAVE?????????????????????😂😂😂😂😂😂😁😁🤣🤣🤣🤣 Where Does Finland Stand????????????????????? 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔😕😕😕😕😕😕👀👀😁😁😂😂

[@artsi897]

🇺🇲🤝🇫🇮

[@passenger3]

Love this finnish president. The Fins should keep this gentleman at the top for as long as possible. He doesn't mince his words. He's a solid/straight and focused leader.

[@perseapina]

he's being replaced in 2024 since has served two terms then and isn't eligible to run.

[@passenger3]

@@perseapina unfortunately

[@henriikkak2091]

Thanks, but he's serving his second term so we are going to let him retire.

[@ricoracer79]

I would like to bend our laws for him and allow him to continue for a one extra term.

[@moai4110]

a lot of finns say that we wouldn't mind a dicatorship under sauli lol

[@seandonahue8464]

It is nice to see a leader like him. If he is a good representative of other members of the Finnish Gov't, I wish we had a few like him here in USA.

[@Mike-zx1kx]

The lesson one could hope Americans could get out of this IMO are that it ARE possible to have a multiparty democracy and both a president and a prime minister. We are so many in the free world that are not afraid of Russia or China, WE can handle them BUT a USA that de facto looses its democracy are a REAL danger. Here in Scandinavia we have been appalled by the coup from POOtin to get Trump elected as president. 14 days before feb. 6th we could read in our media and online how countless of people incited violence and the bringing of weapons to the Capitol. It are beyond me that it seems that no one in USA blames your intelligence service for not providing adequate protection for the Capitol and its processes. When I as an individual civilian could get a clear picture of a very dangerous situation were upcoming and the intelligence service APPARENTLY not it raises A LOT of questions. IMO they either are complete incompetent OR had active persons on the inside that actively stopped those that read the same as I, that wanted to respond much more pro active! Seems no one are looking into whom in those services that were preventing action from being taken. I hope you take this comment as it are meant. Only a friend will tell you the uncomfortable truth you need to hear. Your enemy will happily stand idle while you fail.

[@Tuppoo94]

The US seems to have a shortage of normal politicians. But then again, the US isn't a "normal" country by any means.

[@Kuutti_original]

I dont know anybody who doesnt respect him, he has the support of the Finnish people behind him. He also is one of the survivors of the 2004 asian tsunami, to this day he has seek the person who saved him that day. Dont know if he found the person, since he doesnt like to make a number of the things like that. He wasnt liked a lot by fellow politicians. Since he put them travelling with the reqular tourist class, instead of first class, to save tax payers money. While he was Minister of the State Finance, unsuprisingly people did love that. ;)

[@gherkamum]

Respect to Finland..

[@SichanguOyate]

I'm such a Finnophile 🥰🇫🇮❣️! Emme pelkää, mutta olemme hereillä!

[@dianawoods6991]

Turkey should not be in NATO in the first place but we must deal with a difficult leader. I hope Sweden and Finland joins soon.

[@davidpost428]

I like President Ninito very much. He is so solid in what he puts forth.

[@Orbital79]

Sauli Niinistö the President of Finland, never cracks under pressure

[@fragu123]

Europe is on a better way now to unity from a military as well as economical perspective! That’s very good to see and having the Nordics on board is very refreshing in many ways…

[@BolshevikCarpetbagger1917]

Is it really? The numbers seem to be growing of NATO and EU members being blacklisted. Turks, Hungarians, Czechs, Croatians, and now Austrians seem to be as you people say " joining the Russians." That's hardly unity. Turkey and Greece are at each other's throats.

[@ytplol8446]

@rado van True, I will never ever again lend hand, cant even hold a debate, acts like children, degens, no thanks!

[@mixlllllll]

​@rado van lol no, EU is now more united than probably ever

[@tuijasaari1463]

Really love our president: humble, insightful, realistic, honest. And also a tsunami survivor from the 2004 catastrophe with his son.

[@Cloud-dq1mr]

Damn, I didn't know that. Some close friends were affected too but luckily made it out alive. I respect him too.

[@kirsienckelman2892]

Niinistö on maanpetturi, ja joutuu vielä vastaamaan tekosistaan. Nyt on viemässä meitä sotaan kovaa vauhtia. Minkälainen maanpäämies tekee näin.

[@mixlllllll]

​@@kirsienckelman2892 🤦‍♀️

[@techtical7079]

@@kirsienckelman2892 Ole hiljaa vatnik

[@anssivaharautio8281]

​@@kirsienckelman2892 Paras presidentti Rytin ja Mannerheimin jälkeen. Koivisto ja Ahtisaari hoiti hommansa mutta eivät vieneet meitä NATO;n omilla kausillaan.

[@debbiemetke5938]

We always thought we were Swedish but just discovered we are actually Finnish and I'm going there in early June. Getting prouder and prouder to meet the Finns, like this wonderful president.

[@inso80]

As soon as you connect with your roots again, you will see the folly of thinking you were Swedes. :D Don't be too hard on yourself for that.

[@philipgrabarski3469]

I have a lot of respect for this man . Respect from 🇬🇧

[@krt5524]

Finland has always been involved with Natos security interests as a peace keeping country since 1994, so joining Nato is just another step forward, especially under the present climate with Ukraine. Hopefully, Sweden not far behind. Big respect for Niinisto, straight to the point.

[@krt5524]

@@Daniel_Martin777 Ukraine was neutral after the Budapest Manifesto...and Ukraine are now suffering for it. Putin broke and violated that international agreement. He will do the same somewhere else.

[@nigeldesylva249]

@@krt5524 Check out the Minsk agreement and just see who failed to honour it.

[@ytplol8446]

Climate, feelings, rights, eee, blurrgh..

[@daveevans1236]

Always great to listen to the Finnish Premier, he talks a lot of sense, welcoming you to NATO, ASAP!

[@MP-yz9yk]

Not going to happen

[@mathias61]

@@MP-yz9yk Who says so? It will happen and very soon no matter you think 😁

[@nordicgaming2572]

I would love to see him try his luck with Finland. Really, it would be the highlight of my century so far. They would crush him beyond recognition and it would be the end of Russia as we know it.

[@eduwino151]

Only problem ukraine has already killed off Russias trained military

[@adamsaarinen3134]

Sad thing is, more like young Finnish men walking around in a war with their face stuck in the smart phone & a mouth full of nuuskaa/snus from Sweden. It is what it is.

[@walterthompson8598]

Well said Putin knows who to play with..

[@techpiller2558]

Sorry, but we don't want that, and we don't think like that. We respect the enemy, and their fallen. And we Respect Russia's people and territory. We just want to mind our own business in peace and harmony.

[@Tuppoo94]

There's only one thing that's for sure about a confrontation like that: It would be an absolutely terrible massacre.

[@fatstorvolay2243]

Best politician I've ever seen.

[@damian.r.]

He's a very interesting person

[@ronreagan7950]

Agree. Very thoughtful and careful with his words.

[@furanduron4926]

Well he is a lawyer by trade so he knows how to be careful with words.

[@leoplaate1165]

Finland is a great country ..!!! i visit Finland in 1984 and met the people there ..., was impressed of how relaxed and peacefull they are .. sooooo ..., if Finland was attaced by Ruzzia ....? guess what will happen in my mind ..?

[@antoniopapi]

What a statesman!

[@bobmac2610]

superb interview. best of luck to Finland and Sweden in their NATO acceptance.

[@fabbe8223]

Thank you for the beautiful words about us finns

[@John414]

One of few leaders I can respect ✊🏻 today in Europa.

[@Fabulousideiumn]

Ja.

[@matskarlsson5988]

Proud of my finnish brother

[@minimaxmiaandme.4971]

Scandinavians are peace loving people/countries, like my own, but this unprovoked war has changed our perspective forever. 🇨🇦

[@ytplol8446]

Speak for yourself, not helping you nutcases!

[@finnicpatriot6399]

We are Finno-Ugric, not Norse/Scandi. Stop erasing our language and ethnicity.

[@Cloud-dq1mr]

@@finnicpatriot6399 No one mentioned anything about erasing language or ethnicity. I don't know my finnish brothers to take offense so easily and I especially don't think they'd invent something like this from a simple friendly comment from a Canadian. You must either be very young or a troll.

[@Silveirias]

Many thanks, but we Finns are not Scandinavian, we just neighbour Scandinavia. It is a very common misconception that the terms Scandinavia and Nordic are interchangeable, but they are not. Calling us Scandis is kinda like calling the Scottish people English.

[@inso80]

*Fennoscandians

[@ramsestoo]

Welcome Finland, GREAT to have you in NATO, from Denmark.

[@janner2121]

One of, if not, the best Presidents in the world

[@sherri9300]

Common sense love the Finns 🙌❤️

[@think2146]

Given the history of Hungary with russia , if they don't support Finland , Sweden or Norway. then kick them out of NATO.

[@petrijokinen4394]

👍🫶🇫🇮🫶💪

[@caroldelaney4700]

Excellent Finland ❤

[@RayFanful]

Cheers from Finland, Sauli is the boss.

[@hansericsson7058]

I am Swedish and i Think Finland should join Nato as soon as possible, even if Sweden can not.

[@Bjornisen]

Growing up I always had a fear of Russia I have to admit. My grandfather was wounded in the Winter War and the stories I heard were quite awful. We also had bomb shelters in all residential buildings in the area where we grew up in and my father never forgave the Russians for the suffering caused on his family. In the last 20 years I haven't had a fear of Russia, maybe in retrospect I should have. This war is a tragedy I was hoping to not see in my lifetime. I hope it doesn't escalate. Young Ukrainian or Russian men for that matter should not have to die for this madness. This will leave scars for a hundred years.

[@lynetteray2146]

The President of Finland is very impressive. He stands strong. He wants to do the right thing.

[@benscrwbiutb9800]

Putin says he doesn’t care about Finland, watch your back Finland.

[@duhni4551]

We always do my friend, we always do, specially when it comes to Russia.

[@siansaksaajalampaanlatinaa]

Ryssä ryssii aina, no worries.

[@b.benjamineriksson6030]

I have so much respect for this man. Always level-headed. Sweden will also give tanks it seems. 10 tanks says rumours.

[@laurencrouse2418]

great interview, thank you

[@snowsouler]

One of the best leaders

[@nilslarson7532]

as a Scandinavian i was always impressed how Finland managed to balance its relationship w Russia . Respectful and sensible , like a good neighbor . Unfortunately this is now history . Despite all the media hype in one direction there must be many fins who feel the same way.

[@os3984]

I have unnerving feeling about this. I know people view the Nato as pure defence alliance but after research the foreign policies surface and especially the US foreign policy which is abysmally criminal. Also I feel that it has been unnatural to trash the politicians that had something to do with Russian relations alltogether. These politicians were not pro-Putinists but for peaceful cooperation. None of them wanted to be some Russian agents, but this campaign in media made them look like that. Ex-president Halonen got called Putin's whore and such. Then the press fearmongering. It just didn't seem natural at all. I'm waiting how this unfolds because I think that we were safe before Nato bid, but now...? We're not a member yet, we send gear to Ukraine..So it feels like a gamble that are we going to get Nato membership and is it true that Russia will not tolerate more Nato on it's borders? If they win in Ukraine the situation might change drastically and if we are not in Nato by then..are we going to be the next Ukraine? Those Nato missiles will fly fast to Moscow from Helsinki, so Russia might want to do something.. Nobody talks about this, but it is a possibility and currently the war isn't going too well for the Ukrainians. All these countries that Russia had wars with had something to do with US influence and now it's pretty clear we have US influence also and we're a neigbouring country. These two things are facts and whatever reason they think Putin is starting these wars, these are things in common. Even the Chechen leader had connections to the US. I just think that the said reason expansion for land grab is logical. They don't need land because they've plenty of it. And expansion for the sake of expansion is also illogical. Well, we'll see.

[@ytplol8446]

@@os3984 I view it as malice..

[@paulgibbon5991]

@@os3984 Botski reported. May you soon be drafted.

[@kummer45]

Niinisto is smart man. He has common sense. I hope more leaders be like him.

[@thianthiptopia2925]

As a Danish citizen i think I know what the Finish thinking

[@arthurjohnson7382]

Finland has their military act together. Russia needs to read history and remember the Winter War of 1939. But now they have Western technology and weapons and the support of the rest of the world. Not like 1939. Love your leadership. Free Finland Forever!

[@gfys756]

Yeah they have Western technology, but they also have the modern western mindset. The tough and rugged people of the 1930s and 40s are long gone. Now most of their populace can't figure out which bathroom to use and can't look away from their phones for more than 20 seconds.

[@cyberfunk3793]

@@gfys756 I bet according to you, in Russia "they know which bathroom to use" so has it helped them win the war? No it didn't, because those are the type of things small minds think about while smart people don't care what other adults do in their bedrooms etc. Men in Finland still go through military service and are motivated and capable of defending the country no matter if they aren't identical to generations before. They don't have their phones with them during basic training so you don't need to worry about the 20 seconds.

[@hovstacoolianz2197]

Finland is free when they were neutral, now they're under US empire

[@cyberfunk3793]

@@hovstacoolianz2197 Finland had to mind the opinion of CCCP for decades but now when it finally joins NATO it is actually safe from Russian aggression.

[@bittoochatterjee2661]

Did Finland Win 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔😕😕👀👀😁😁

[@arminprnjavorac2084]

I like this guy. Straight answers, no bs.

[@unggrabb]

Finnish susu. Hats off

[@techpiller2558]

"Sisu". Thanks!

[@historyouuu3495]

Tunge sinä "susus" sinne minne ei au...

[@jooseppib1082]

But Fazer susu isn't that bad either 😉

[@historyouuu3495]

@@jooseppib1082 Suffeli, Kismet, Fazerina ja Geisha ;)

[@siansaksaajalampaanlatinaa]

Sisu

[@sandy57ful1]

I wish there were more politicians and leaders like this man. Such integrity.

[@leeomahoney9516]

Big respect from uk 🇬🇧