On February 11th Alexander Stubb was elected as Finish prime minister in a tight election bid. Stubb won the election with 51.6 percent of the vote, winning by a tight margin against former minister of foreign affairs and green party member Pekka Haavisto who received 48.4 percent in the elections. 

Alexander Stubb belongs to a center right party and ran on a platform of closer ties to NATO, Europe, and The United States along with more participation with NATO and support of Ukraine against Russia. What singled Stubb out from his competitor was his willingness to allow NATO to transport nuclear weapons within Finland, something his competitor wasn’t willing to allow. 

The increased involvement with Nato, Europe, and the United States that the new Finnish Prime Minister is advocating is the product of Finland’s membership in Nato. Before Russia invaded Ukraine, Finland held a neutral stance; however, the actions of Russia motivated Finland to change its decades old policy and join in April 2023. Finland’s decision received threats from Moscow, hinting at potential retaliation. Finland in response to increased immigration from Russia decided to close the border and reinforce its border security. Finland’s new president and his increased commitment to countering Russia is meant to strategically counter the possibility of Russian aggression in the Baltic region. It seems unlikely that Russia can invest its resources to threaten Finland when they have suffered military defeats that CNN reports as setting back their military modernization by 15 years. CNN also reports that Russia has lost 87% of its initial invasion force (315,000 soldiers) and has taken significant losses in its inventory of essential equipment and vehicles. 

At this stage in the war gaining more support is not only going to buffer NATO’s defenses against a hostile Russian regime as well as reinforcing Ukraine. Finland’s support is also symbolic and speaks to the gravity of the situation. Unlike the United States, Finland shares a border with Russia and is in more imminent danger from a hostile Russian regime. The urgency and willingness of Finland to contribute more to NATO and other western alliances could serve as continued evidence for why countering Russia is important. While countering Russia is important, those skeptical bring up important questions about whether or not it is realistic that Ukraine will take back all of its territories since the invasion of the Crimean peninsula. Russia is a nuclear superpower which means that pushing them into a corner could cause nuclear retaliation. The human cost has also been very high, killing many on both sides. Ukrainian civilians have been killed and many have had to immigrate to nearby countries. As Russia has escalated its war effort it has been increasing authoritarian measures at home with dishonest propaganda and censorship laws that result in lengthy prison sentences. 

Finland’s continued support and willingness to counter Russian aggression is a good sign moving forward that European countries are reacting strategically and preparing to counter military aggression against Nato members. Hopefully a strong and united NATO will dissuade Putin from escalating military aggression and find a resolution to the Russo-Ukrainian war.