Finland experience toward Russia impossible for Ukraine - Zaluzhny
A number of influential political figures from various countries are trying to impose on Ukraine the scenario Finland followed after World War II prior to its NATO accession, but this is unacceptable for Ukraine, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United Kingdom and former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valeriy Zaluzhny emphasized.
"It is a very interesting experience [that Finland had during that period]. And some people, including those with big names, are now trying to push this experience on us [Ukraine] as a victory," Zaluzhny said during an online discussion with students from various Ukrainian universities organized by the Nyzhny Kyiv School of Government.
At the same time, he advised international relations students to study the experience of Finland—how it continued to exist until joining NATO in 2023 without becoming part of the USSR.
"The answer here is very, very simple: Finland adopted a policy called ‘not anti-Russia.’ Finland did not adopt an ‘anti-Russia’ policy and lived respecting and looking at Russia as its most reliable neighbor. And that is how they lived. Ukraine will not be able to do this because of the uniqueness of the people living on its territory—these are huge losses that we have suffered. From people who lived in Crimea to those who lived in western Ukraine, in Zakarpattia and so on," the diplomat said.
"I doubt that Ukraine will be able to live and conduct a ‘not anti-Russia’ policy. Unfortunately," Zaluzhny added.
