Finland's PM: Sanctions are most effective influence on Russia

Finland stands for tightening sanctions against Russia.

Finland's prime minister says resumed combat action in Ukraine makes the EU think about strengthening sanctions. Alexander Stubb told a Finnish TV channel the sanctions were “the most effective tool to influence Russia,” ZN.ua reports.

He said money is often the best peacekeeper in the world. “It’s the only way: it’s soft but firm, it’s the only measure we have and it must be used,” Stubb said.

“In many ways we’re on the brink of a Cold War,” the PM added. Finland should act in two directions: support the common course of the European Union and also ensure that Europe's voice remains united. “There’s no point in taking Finland into that grey zone where we existed during the time of the previous Cold War,” the prime minister noted.

As EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said, EU foreign ministers would discuss further sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine on November 17.

“Next week we will have a ministerial meeting in Brussels on Monday and there will be a discussion there, but I would say not just on whether to increase the sanctions but most of all how to support Ukraine in these difficult times,” she told journalists on Tuesday.