President of Finland says strategic window open now, Moldova must use it

„The strategic window is open now” for Moldova and the country must take advantage of this opportunity on its European path. The statement was made by Finnish President Alexander Stubb made statements to this effect at a joint news  conference held alongside President Maia Sandu in Helsinki today.

„Sooner rather than later, I believe the strategic window is open now, and we must use it. The resilience demonstrated by Moldova in countering Russian hybrid influence is something from which we can learn more,” Alexander Stubb said.

Alexander Stubb also condemned the drone attacks on the border crossing points between Ukraine and Moldova. He said that Finland wants a definitive end to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and stressed that the way the war ends would have a profound impact on European security and a direct effect on European countries.

„Moldova has been recently targeted by Russian drone attacks on the border crossing points between Ukraine and Moldova. Finland firmly condemns these attacks. We offer strong support to Moldova, and we are both firm and active supporters of Ukraine. We want to see a permanent end to Russia’s aggression. The way the war ends will have a profound impact on European security and a direct effect on our European countries,” the Finnish president said.

The Finnish president stressed that Moldova is important for European security and that the country’s place is in the European Union. According to the Finnish official, Moldova and its citizens have demonstrated resilience and a firm commitment to a European future. He also praised President Maia Sandu’s personal commitment to the European agenda.

„Moldova is important for the European security. Moldova’s place is in the European Union. Moldova belongs to the family of European liberal democracies. Moldova and its citizens have demonstrated resilience and a firm commitment to a European future. I also admire your personal commitment to this agenda. Finland stays committed to supporting Moldova’s path toward joining the European Union,” Alexander Stubb said.

Moldova is strengthening its defense and security capabilities amid the war in Ukraine and hybrid threats. „Our response is to become stronger,” President Maia Sandu said at the joint press conference held with Finnish President Alexander Stubb in Helsinki today.

The Finnish president noted that his meeting with Maia Sandu had covered bilateral relations, European security, hybrid threats, the situation in Ukraine and the European integration of Moldova.

The two officials also discussed Finland’s comprehensive security model, as well as Finland’s experience in the NATO „Partnership for Peace” programme, before the country joined the North Atlantic Alliance in 2023.

President Maia Sandu is paying an official visit to Finland, where she is discussing bilateral cooperation, European security and support for Moldova’s European path with the authorities in Helsinki. Maia Sandu and Alexander Stubb will open the Helsinki Security Forum 2026, organized by the Finnish Institute of International Affairs.