Following his presence at the funeral for Pope Francis last week, Alexander Stubb, the President of Finland was asked about his thoughts on Ukraine. Finland, which shares a 835 mile border with Russia and with strong memories of the Winter War 0f 1939-1940, has supported Ukraine in its defense against Putin’s invasion.
Stubb rejected the idea that Ukraine must submit to “Finlandization,” when a smaller country maintains independence but is forced to submit some of its autonomy to the larger power on its eastern border, which Finland had to do for almost 50 years due to threats from the old Soviet Union.
In addition to this, Russia has also recruited persons to engage in acts of terrorism, such as cutting undersea cables in the Baltic and attacks on companies doing business with Ukraine, much like Islamic Jihadist attacks to sow fear. So what may look like cow-towing to the demands of one autocrat may be a wise strategy to avoid conquest by another.
Prayer for the Day
Hoping for peace in a time of distrust and war,
We search for ways to help those striving strive for peace;
Sharing the life that sprouts from obscurity and pain,
We look to the people who want to sow peace.
Be with us, O God, as we work with peacemakers
Who often are persecuted and reviled in their own land
In the name of the One who shows us the way,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Everyone has to understand that the only thing that Putin understands is power. I mean, there’s a reason why Finland has one of the strongest militaries in Europe, and the reason is not Sweden.
Alexander Stubb, President of Finland
The strategic aim is to sow discord and insecurity. They are not destroying significant infrastructure. They are concentrating on soft targets that influence a general perception of insecurity in society. This is classic psy-ops.
Piotr Krawczwyk, former head of Poland’s foreign intelligence service
Do not rejoice, all you Philistines, that the rod that struck you is broken,
For from the root of the snake will come forth an adder,
And its fruit will be a flying fiery serpent.
Isaiah 14: 29