Sauli Niinistö gave an interview to the American TV giant – Talked about Putin's obsession: “Big mistake”

Earlier this week, President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö met US President Joe Biden in Washington, USA.

President Sauli Niinistö gave an interview to Fox News. Elle Laitila Sunday 12.3.2023 at 21:47

The President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö gave an interview to the American Fox News channel.

Niinistö met earlier this week by US President Joe Biden in Washington, USA. An interview with Fox News was filmed during the same trip.

In an interview with Fox News, Niinistö says that he and Biden discussed Finland's NATO membership and the international security situation.

– We are currently living through very difficult times. That's why I found the conversation with him (Biden) important, Niinistö says in the interview.

In the interview, Niinistö also comments on Finland's NATO process. Niinistö says he is optimistic about Turkey and Hungary ratifying Finland's NATO membership.

– I want to say that I am very optimistic, Niinistö says.

Turkey has accused both Finland and Sweden of acting as safe havens for terrorists. In this context, Turkey refers to the PKK supporters of the Kurdistan Workers' Party as terrorists.

Niinistö states in an interview that the EU has declared the PKK a terrorist organization.

– That's how we act about it, and I think Sweden too. We think we have fulfilled everything we agreed with Turkey last summer in Madrid. They disagree, so the discussions will continue, Niinistö answers.

Niinistö says that he once had a conversation with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

– His message was clear: “we will not be the last”, says Niinistö, referring to the ratification.

Niinistö also tells about the discussions with the Hungarian delegation. A while ago, Hungary sent a delegation to both Finland and Sweden. The delegation's visit was related to the ratification of Finland's and Sweden's NATO memberships.

– Hungary has nothing against Finland's and Sweden's NATO memberships, but they wanted to remind that they are not very satisfied with the way Finland or Sweden have talked about Hungarian politics.

“Obsession with Ukraine”

Niinistö was also asked about Russian President Vladimir Putinand the relationship between Finland and Russia.

According to Niinistö, Putin still has an “obsession with Ukraine”, which can still be heard in his speeches.

– This there is something he can't get rid of and which is a big mistake, says Niinistö.

Niinistö also states in the interview that Finland and Sweden have been cooperating with NATO for a long time before actual NATO membership .

– In Russia it has been said that Finland and Sweden are more NATO members than actual NATO member countries, says Niinistö.

– So this is not has been a big change, Niinistö says and refers to Finland's NATO process.