Paet: Finland Hoping to Return to Previous World
Only strong economic pressure, if anything, can halt the Russian operation in Ukraine, Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said.
In an interview with Finnish daily Helsingin Sanomat, Paet said too much hope has been put in Russia's promises and not enough looked at its actions and the events in eastern parts of Ukraine are unfolding in a similar way to the Crimea a few month ago.
“Russia must be stopped in Ukraine, so as no one would even think that Ukraine today, the Baltics tomorrow,” he said, adding that tougher sanctions, including import bans on oil and oil products should be weighed.
Paet said Finland's approach to Russia is one of hope and the nation has said it knows how to handle Russia, thinking the same rules apply as before. “But things are not always the same,” Paet said.