Finnish president on winter in Ukraine: we need to be prepared for the worst-case scenario

Finnish President Alexander Stubb has said that it is important for Ukraine to be prepared for the worst-case scenario regarding the situation this winter.

Source: Stubb in an interview with European Pravda

Details: Stubb was reminded that Ukraine is currently preparing for what is expected to be a challenging winter and was asked whether this matched his expectations for the months ahead.

"You kind of have to prepare for the worst in order to be able to be ready for it," the Finnish president said.

Meanwhile, he stressed that Ukraine's offensive has been "very strong for about eight to nine months". Stubb also noted that Ukraine's defence forces were "basically eliminating 30,000-35,000 Russian troops" each month and pointed to Ukraine's long-range strikes.

"All of this is an indication that Ukraine is doing much better but that doesn't mean that winter is not coming," he said.

Stubb said Finland was actively working to ensure that Ukraine had sufficient energy supplies and diesel generators, including those produced by Finnish manufacturer Wärtsilä.

"We have to prepare for the worst, that's just how it goes," Stubb noted.

Background:

• It recently emerged that Finland is preparing its next air defence package for Ukraine, which will address some of the country's most pressing needs.
• It was also reported that the Swedish government had approved a new aid package for Ukraine worth almost SEK 1.5 billion (around US$158,4 million) for 2026 to support the energy sector ahead of winter.

Watch the interview with President Stabb in full here

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon to help us keep reporting!