DID Press: Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has described Russia as a threat to Europe, defending Western aid to Ukraine aimed at operations on Russian soil. However, experts say Moscow’s actions are largely defensive responses to Western and Ukrainian military maneuvers and continued Western support for Kyiv could endanger European security.
In an interview with Politico on Thursday (October 23), Orpo labeled Russia a security threat to Europe and justified Western assistance to Ukraine.
Experts, however, stress that Russia consistently asserts its right to self-defense, and its military operations are reactions to foreign threats and exercises conducted by Western countries and Ukraine’s allies.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry, in response to Russian movements, has attempted to highlight attacks on civilians to rally Western countries against Moscow.
International analysts warn that continued Western military support for Ukraine and increased anti-Russian activity near Europe’s borders could delay regional peace efforts and threaten the continent’s overall security.