Finnish president downplays Russian threat to NATO while urging readiness

Finnish President Alexander Stubb has rejected warnings from Berlin suggesting Russia could be capable of attacking NATO territory by 2029. In an interview with German newspaper Bild, Stubb stated, "If anyone has such a crystal ball – that's great. But I simply see neither evidence nor facts for this."

Despite doubting that Moscow would challenge the Western military alliance directly, Stubb stressed that NATO members must remain prepared for all potential scenarios to ensure effective deterrence. Meanwhile, European intelligence officials and nations along NATO's eastern flank—including Poland, Finland, and the Baltic states—continue to report elevated risks from Russian hybrid actions, sabotage, and espionage, prompting enhanced regional defense cooperation.

Sources: Defence24, Portal obronny, Rzeczpospolita, TVP info.