Finland Calls Europe to Prepare Defense Against Russia Amid Ukraine Security Talks

Amid escalating tensions, Russian advisor Sergei Karaganov has advocated for Russia to consider using nuclear weapons in Europe to prevent a larger war, asserting that a nuclear conflict could be won and is necessary to break Europe's resistance. This aggressive stance is echoed in Russian media calls for targeted strikes in Western institutions, intensifying fears of nuclear escalation. In response, Western leaders, including Finnish President Alexander Stubb, emphasize the necessity of credible security guarantees for Ukraine that include a willingness to militarily confront Russia if attacked, underscoring that such guarantees must be plausible deterrents irrespective of Moscow's approval. Stubb, who has met with President Trump, supports Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and highlights that European forces must be ready to act to uphold these guarantees. Meanwhile, NATO and allies, including Britain and the United States, warn Russia against incursions into NATO airspace, reaffirming their commitment to defend every inch of NATO territory despite Russian dismissals of these concerns. These developments occur against the backdrop of ongoing discussions about peace and security in the region, with Western countries considering military and economic measures to pressure Russia while avoiding direct confrontation.