www.gandul.ro/international/finlanda-respinge-cere

Finland has firmly rejected Russia's demands for its withdrawal from NATO as a condition for peace talks regarding Ukraine. Finnish officials responded to claims made by the German publication Bild, which reported that Russia seeks not only Finland's exit from NATO but also the closure of NATO bases in the Baltic states and significant territorial concessions from Ukraine. Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen emphasized that such issues are not negotiable and accused Russia of negotiating in bad faith. He urged the West to increase support for Ukraine, warning that any sign of weakness would embolden Moscow. Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen reiterated that NATO membership decisions are solely for Finland and its allies. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied the claims, stating that Russia has never requested Finland's withdrawal from NATO.