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Finnish President Sauli Niinisto: 'We are not afraid of Russia' • FRANCE 24 English

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  • Опубліковано 18 лют 2023
  • Finnish President Sauli Niinisto spoke with FRANCE 24’s Marc Perelman during the Munich Security Conference. The president discussed Finland’s plans to join NATO, whether Western leaders misjudged Russian President Vladimir Putin prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and whether there is a risk that Russian military action will expand further into Europe.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 1 794

  • TL
    TL 2 місяці тому +108

    As a Finn I must say this comment section is absolutely heartwarming. Thank you all for your kind words. 🙏

    • Donquixote
      Donquixote 2 місяці тому +3

      C´mon, we are brothers!

    • FAMILIARI$
      FAMILIARI$ 2 місяці тому +2

      Morjesta

    • TL
      TL 2 місяці тому +1

      @FAMILIARI$ Moro

    • Yoloswagtron69
      Yoloswagtron69 Місяць тому

      So proud to have some of the toughest bastards on earth standing shoulder to shoulder with us in NATO.

  • catamaran sailor
    catamaran sailor 3 місяці тому +554

    Maximum respect to Finland and their people

    • YTP Lol
      YTP Lol 3 місяці тому +7

      No. Lol..

    • Kavorka
      Kavorka 3 місяці тому +10

      Thank you!

    • History Ouuu
      History Ouuu 2 місяці тому +5

      Why ... thx ...

    • JUKKA
      JUKKA 2 місяці тому +8

      Maxium thanks

  • Johan van Beek
    Johan van Beek 3 місяці тому +384

    He doesn't let reporters put words in his mouth, great control.

    • Pharisaer Watch
      Pharisaer Watch 3 місяці тому +16

      yeah especially the "no one believed Russia would go this far"......yeh right...France24 was like: "you warmongering U.S.A stop saying Russia will invade!!!! President Macron just went to Putin and sat at that ridiculous long table and Putin said he wouldn't invade!!!!!" haha, I love how they forget that it was actually France24 that believed everything Putin said.
      edit: spell check

    • G S
      G S 3 місяці тому +4

      You are absolutely right. The interviewer is trying so hard just like Stoltenberg, the chief arm dealer.

    • Studio IC
      Studio IC 3 місяці тому +1

      From the very first question, the reporter is nodding as he speaks, trying to hypnotize the president, fascinating.

    • Gee M
      Gee M 3 місяці тому +1

      @Studio IC He does look a little fishy now that you mention it.

  • Tony LYONS
    Tony LYONS 3 місяці тому +474

    We are all with Finland in Europe..🙏🙏

    • Jan Öhman
      Jan Öhman 3 місяці тому +9

      @Sander lucioperca Lucioperca from the Netherlands 🤣🤣

    • NATURA
      NATURA 3 місяці тому +8

      Speak for your own self please 🙏

    • DillyDally
      DillyDally 3 місяці тому +7

      @NATURA You are anti RuZZian and pro Nato. You just don't understand the irony

  • Tan Chiew Leong
    Tan Chiew Leong 3 місяці тому +412

    Finland is the only country which managed to give Russia a bloody nose during the last war. Salute the brave and courageous warriors of Finland.

    • Tomabocas
      Tomabocas 3 місяці тому +8

      ''Bloody nose'' at what cost? Cost is never considered isn't?

    • TechPiller
      TechPiller 3 місяці тому +113

      @Tomabocas One to ten casualties.

    • Susanna
      Susanna 3 місяці тому +133

      @Tomabocas keeping our independence.

    • Duh Ni
      Duh Ni 3 місяці тому +54

      Kaunis Kaukomieli No matter how many times Russia changes their name they are still Russia, you know it as well as i do.

  • suicidal.banana
    suicidal.banana 3 місяці тому +159

    Wish more leaders would be like this guy, such a smart and calm guy. Plus he earns bonus points for some decent passive aggressive comments towards Russia and Turkey without any sort of rude words, respect.

    • zoolkhan
      zoolkhan 2 місяці тому +5

      hungary will have some choice words
      passive agressivity coming soon as well :/
      as a finn i have little hope we ever get into nato with orban or erdogan in power.
      civil defense courses and volunteer/reservist excercises on an all time high.

    • Cloud
      Cloud Місяць тому

      @zoolkhan luckily you ended up being wrong, congratulations brother :)

  • Bryran Gecko
    Bryran Gecko 3 місяці тому +114

    We love you Finland🥰, my wife and I have visit your beautiful Country so many times we love it so much, the people of Finland are so beautiful 💕🤗🙏Stay strong Love💕 and Hugs from Australia Down Under

  • Leif Hall
    Leif Hall 3 місяці тому +384

    I really like to work with finns, they say what they mean and they do what they say, reliability! I am Swedish by the way.

    • Agata Staniak
      Agata Staniak 3 місяці тому +3

      And sometimes they speak in specific scandic manner as in here which can be understood by people who got to experience scandic culture but which goes not so clearly understood outside of the scandic cultural circle. What would be good to consider while speaking to other european nations in tv studio with a French reporter. Unfortunately certain elements of strong and clear scandic discourse which is aimed at being non-conflictual sound like being evasive and imprecise in public discourse of non-scandic european countries. Other than that, yes, Finland is quite admirable country and approach of Finland to many things in the context of Ukraine is also quite impressive. But can Finland improve on public discourse for the purposes of communication with non-scnadic nations? Yes, definitely.

    • perseapina
      perseapina 3 місяці тому +12

      @Agata Staniak can you clarify what you mean more specifically?

    • TechPiller
      TechPiller 3 місяці тому +12

      @Agata Staniak The Scandic countries near the Scandic mountains, Sweden, Norway and Denmark don't consider Finland part of Scandinavia. Finland is part of the Nordics with the Scandic countries, where Iceland is too.

    • LP Le
      LP Le 3 місяці тому +1

      How come you capitalized the words “I” and “S” (as in Sweden) but used small “f” (as in “finns”)?

    • Kenton Joseph
      Kenton Joseph 3 місяці тому

      @TechPiller NORway isn't Nordic?

  • Olof Jansson
    Olof Jansson 3 місяці тому +539

    He is a great leader and our neighbour is a great country.😎🇺🇦🇫🇮🇸🇪

    • Игорь Жильцов
      Игорь Жильцов 3 місяці тому +7

      The "great ones" are hiding under the skirt of NATO (USA) hahaha.But it won't help you Russians anyway, if you threaten Russia (which by the way gave Finland statehood), you will give Lapland, like Karelia at the time

    • Frank Sinatra
      Frank Sinatra 3 місяці тому +3

      @Olof Jansson tyst sa ja. Du ska va tyst !

  • Donquixote
    Donquixote 3 місяці тому +131

    As a Swede, I will understand and accept any decision from the Finnish Government due to our NATO applications. I too as Niinistö said, see no reason to contact this 🤡 in Turkey. Sweden and Finland fulfills all the demands from NATO. That should be enough.

    • Ann Flynn
      Ann Flynn 3 місяці тому +15

      Exactly! Another swede here.

    • Neil Clark
      Neil Clark 3 місяці тому +16

      Don't let shady Erdogan play the game of dividing Sweden and Finland on the matter. Both countries forwarded their application to NATO jointly and NAtO as a whole has to deal with Hungary's and Turkey's blackmailing. I am sure NATO and EU could put a little more squeeze on Erdogan. Turkey is in severe economic troubles, running inflation and is member of the EU customs union.

    • Agata Staniak
      Agata Staniak 3 місяці тому +3

      Procedure is what it is like. Applications have to be ratified in all countries which already are NATO member countries. As for this, we may like it or not but diplomacy has been invented for a reason. Such reason could be a situation like this in which clearly Turkey seeks to bargain and to strike a baragain. Of course all NATO will respect how Sweden, Finland and Turkey will resolve this situation given their best interest and their bargaining power. Each current NATO country has been through moments like this in its own due time, with multiple countries. It also refects how decisons are being made inside NATO,through collective bargaining mechanism, so it's a good drill before procedeeings inside the NATO itself on a regular basis. Since if either or both applying countries join NATO Turkey isn't going anywhere and there will be more of times when talking to Turkey will be required. All NATO countries had to learn how to go about it. And yes, it requires effort and skill. Like everything else in life.

    • Razor Mouth
      Razor Mouth 3 місяці тому +2

      Well it would be good for Sweden to have a NATO country between it and Russia.

    • Urs Schuerch
      Urs Schuerch 3 місяці тому +14

      Turkey and Hungary out, Finland and Sweden in!

  • James Dean
    James Dean 3 місяці тому +286

    Finland is a heroic nation. It was the first nation to experience the monstrosity that Russia is. It courageously stood up to the evil from the East and it saved it's people from abyss in the form of gulags, repression, crime, corruption, etc. Glory to Finland.

    • Nils Larson
      Nils Larson 3 місяці тому +6

      they should have paid a heavy price for taking active military side with nazi Germany when attacking Sovjet.

    • Edon Veil
      Edon Veil 3 місяці тому +57

      ​@Nils Larson Who says they didn't, gospodin Larsov?

    • YTP Lol
      YTP Lol 3 місяці тому +3

      Imagine hating your closest brothers lol..

    • JussiOskari
      JussiOskari 3 місяці тому +76

      @Nils Larson You really don't know at all what you're talking about.

    • Paul Gibbon
      Paul Gibbon 3 місяці тому +56

      @Nils Larson Botski reported. May you soon be drafted.

  • johntokn
    johntokn 3 місяці тому +276

    I've been an admirer of President Ninisto for a long time. This interview just fortifies my admiration.

    • Mickey Filmer
      Mickey Filmer 3 місяці тому +12

      A man of principles. The UK government should take note!!

    • Ryan Vaudrin
      Ryan Vaudrin 3 місяці тому +3

      was going to say the same thing.

    • Agata Staniak
      Agata Staniak 3 місяці тому +11

      He comes off as a very balanced and down-to-earth individual, not afraid of making his point, that's for sure. However his scandic manner does soften this impression in the eyes of Europeans used to more straightforward forms of public discourse. And French general public is used to being more straighforward than he is. So his perception outside of Finland might be a bit softer than inside Finland or inside any other scandic country. To me he comes as off a very strong personality given scandic standards. And very outspoken one. I think as for Finnish standards. Especially given that even for scandic standards Finns are really people of few words.

    • Harald Bj Thunem
      Harald Bj Thunem 3 місяці тому +7

      @Agata Staniak Finns are siblings to Scandinavians - and loved and respected by all.

  • Crazy Canuck
    Crazy Canuck 3 місяці тому +58

    I like this Niinisto guy. We need more politicians who are unafraid to stand up to dictators and are not willing to hide in the shadows. All of us NATO partners need to welcome Finland and Sweden into the alliance. They will be very valuable members. Russia must not be allowed to benefit from their violence and what's more is that we must not be afraid. Fear is the only true enemy. Slava Ukraini from Canada.

  • Nhan Nguyen
    Nhan Nguyen 3 місяці тому +205

    God bless Finland ❤❤❤❤❤❤

    • rado van
      rado van 3 місяці тому +1

      for what?

    • YTP Lol
      YTP Lol 3 місяці тому +2

      @rado van For no-no squares, legal beastiality, depression, khlamydia (the band, and probably also the.. less diserable thing) and finally.. bunkers..

    • Mnbvcxzlk Jhgfd Sapoiuytrewq
      Mnbvcxzlk Jhgfd Sapoiuytrewq 2 місяці тому +1

      No

    • C0ldWarrior
      C0ldWarrior 2 місяці тому +3

      @rado van For keeping people like you wondering what freedom and courage is all about.

  • Jonathan Mullan
    Jonathan Mullan 3 місяці тому +126

    President Sauli Niinisto is an absolute legend, my Finnish family are lucky to have someone like him in these times.

    • Matti Päivinen
      Matti Päivinen 2 місяці тому +2

      Disagree.

    • Sterile Steve
      Sterile Steve 2 місяці тому

      @Matti Päivinen explain pls 😁

    • itsleksa
      itsleksa 2 місяці тому

      ​@Sterile Steve yea idk what this guy taiking ab we have no corrution happiest country Rich country strong country why the president bad

  • The Straight Road
    The Straight Road 3 місяці тому +416

    “We are not afraid, but we are well awake.” This is a call to all free nations.

    • rado van
      rado van 3 місяці тому +13

      Really?West is going down big time!

    • Kenton Joseph
      Kenton Joseph 3 місяці тому +18

      @rado van Yes, really.

    • Karl Schmidt
      Karl Schmidt 3 місяці тому +51

      @rado van We've been told this ages ago, yet we still stand tall and going further beyond. Try again, bot.

  • Dannii Ow
    Dannii Ow 3 місяці тому +123

    We stand by you both!! 🇸🇪🇫🇮🇳🇱🫶

    • Joni Niiranen
      Joni Niiranen 3 місяці тому

      Ill smoke for that 😶‍🌫️😉

    • catamaran sailor
      catamaran sailor 3 місяці тому +6

      As do we 🇺🇸

    • rado van
      rado van 3 місяці тому +1

      @catamaran sailor US is finished!

    • YTP Lol
      YTP Lol 3 місяці тому +1

      @rado van No, Finland is technically Finish 🤣🙏 with an extra "n"..

    • Kingman123
      Kingman123 2 місяці тому

      Pass me the joint

  • Rob T
    Rob T 3 місяці тому +87

    Sauli is a great man. Calm, realistic, straight to the point and honest. A true Finn. Couldn’t have asked for a better neighbour. from Stockholm

    • kirsi enckelman
      kirsi enckelman 2 місяці тому +1

      He is a treitor.

    • SirKettu
      SirKettu 2 місяці тому +2

      @kirsi enckelman wtf do u mean

    • kirsi enckelman
      kirsi enckelman 2 місяці тому

      @christa tiivola So???

    • mambafication
      mambafication 2 місяці тому +1

      She probably means that he likes to trade a lot, she just misspelled trader. Maybe stamps? Well whatever old ppl collect, I dunno.

  • Stefano Di Folco
    Stefano Di Folco 3 місяці тому +173

    We in Europe are all with Finland!

  • Martin Nugent
    Martin Nugent 3 місяці тому +139

    A great credit to his country. Such a decent man!

  • Egddios
    Egddios 3 місяці тому +58

    My grandparents, Heikki and Kerrtu, are watching from above, in spirit, with pride. 🇫🇮💙💛🇺🇦

  • cruxmusique
    cruxmusique 2 місяці тому +8

    Growing up I always had a fear of Russia I have to admit. My grandfather was wounded in the Winter War and the stories I heard were quite awful. We also had bomb shelters in all residential buildings in the area where we grew up in and my father never forgave the Russians for the suffering caused on his family. In the last 20 years I haven't had a fear of Russia, maybe in retrospect I should have. This war is a tragedy I was hoping to not see in my lifetime. I hope it doesn't escalate. Young Ukrainian or Russian men for that matter should not have to die for this madness. This will leave scars for a hundred years.

  • chico macdonald
    chico macdonald 3 місяці тому +314

    Now, that's a leader.Glory to Finland. Canada here

    • MrUntapishtim
      MrUntapishtim 3 місяці тому +6

      Now glory to Finland too? LOL

    • A Koster
      A Koster 3 місяці тому +8

      Hello, Canada 😁

    • Fuckfightorbusta50
      Fuckfightorbusta50 3 місяці тому +2

      Can't you Canuck's take all the Ukraine refugee's?

    • rado van
      rado van 3 місяці тому

      Wow?what a naive statement?

    • Kenton Joseph
      Kenton Joseph 3 місяці тому +7

      @Fuckfightorbusta50 7 million have already went back home. Get with the times, you're a bit slow.

  • Currawong 579
    Currawong 579 3 місяці тому +44

    My compliments to these two men conducting this interview in English. We appreciate it.

    • Henriikka K
      Henriikka K 3 місяці тому

      They did struggle a bit here.

    • inso80
      inso80 2 місяці тому +3

      @Henriikka K Not really for 2 guys speaking their third languages. The questions were as clear as the answers.

  • R C
    R C 3 місяці тому +321

    He is a smart person and politician.

    • Tonu Pullerits
      Tonu Pullerits 3 місяці тому +20

      Most finns are calm people and their decisions are not emotional. It helps a lot politicians.

  • goldfinch 💜💜
    goldfinch 💜💜 3 місяці тому +128

    Love this Man.. good and honest...🇫🇮🇫🇮🇸🇪🇪🇺🇺🇦💛💙👌😎

    • kirsi enckelman
      kirsi enckelman 2 місяці тому +2

      Honest...ei helvetti 😂

    • AndyGrouch
      AndyGrouch 2 місяці тому +2

      @kirsi enckelman Mene töihin.

  • Major Moolah
    Major Moolah 3 місяці тому +86

    Our President is a wise and experienced man. Always keep your options open and use reason to evaluate what is best.

  • Warren
    Warren 3 місяці тому +20

    Love Finland it's people they know how to deal with it and known the risk of Russia being next door since ww2 and stayed prepared better than most of not all others in Europe.

  • Eskolol
    Eskolol 2 місяці тому +12

    Sauli's law background really shining through. Not saying anything that he can't prove or back. Doesn't let people put words in his mouth and not being overly dramatic. Perhaps one of the best presidents we've had, if not the best. No pressure to the guy who is gonna be the next in line.

  • tompara2
    tompara2 3 місяці тому +36

    Bravo Finland, bravo Finland!

  • Tuppoo94
    Tuppoo94 2 місяці тому +5

    Sauli Niinistö was elected for his second term in 2018 as an independent. He won the election in the first round with 62.7% of the popular vote, becoming the first ever Finnish president to be elected in the first round. Among the members of all major Finnish political parties, he was more popular than each party's own top candidate. His service as Finland's face to the world has been tremendously important and valuable, and I will certainly miss him when he steps down in 2024.

  • Tripptrapp100
    Tripptrapp100 3 місяці тому +411

    Sauli, always such an honest straightshooter in the interviews I've seen. The Finns are lucky to have him
    🇸🇪 ♥️ 🇫🇮

    • Human Beings R Thinking Beings
      Human Beings R Thinking Beings 3 місяці тому +1

      Mind Begs the Question:
      NATO,Corporates capable to Boycott
      Russia over Ukraine/Petro Dollar
      NATO,Corporates not capable to Boycott
      China over Concentration Camps?

    • Fantom Morbius
      Fantom Morbius 3 місяці тому +2

      🤣🤣🤣

    • baseball91
      baseball91 3 місяці тому +1

      Indeed, that's just a straight shooter with upper management written all over him...

    • Marles
      Marles 3 місяці тому +6

      @Fantom Morbius Emojis aren't an argument. Sorry.

    • goldbullet50
      goldbullet50 2 місяці тому +1

      He talked about NATO referendum for about 20 years, but when the time had arrived, we got no referendum.

  • studiodevis
    studiodevis 3 місяці тому +51

    As a Eu citizen I admire and respect Mr President Sauli Niinisto and the Finnish peoples. In the opposite side of courage, dignity and democracy is Hungary with Victor Orban.

  • Donald McFatridge
    Donald McFatridge 3 місяці тому +89

    Canada stands behind the great nation of Finland - except of course when it comes to international hockey then our elbows get real pointy.

    • Nils Larson
      Nils Larson 3 місяці тому

      here from europe big kudos to Canada in its effort to constantly escalate this proxy conflict from far away . Your deputy PM (with her ukrainian background) is ready for the NATO position after Stoltenberg . Well done !

    • Kristofer Kolumbus
      Kristofer Kolumbus 3 місяці тому +15

      It is always a 60 minutes war, CAN vs FIN :)

    • petri jokinen
      petri jokinen 3 місяці тому +2

      😂😂🫶🇫🇮🫶 Finland 1 Hockey💪

    • Hesus Nasaretian
      Hesus Nasaretian 2 місяці тому +6

      Thank you to great peaceful country of Canada!! And yes, the hockey part is more than understandable😄 also thank you for inventing hockey, our favorite sport🙂

    • inso80
      inso80 2 місяці тому

      Nothing beats beating Sweden, but beating Canadia is in a solid second place.

  • yp77738yp77739
    yp77738yp77739 3 місяці тому +61

    Very impressive individual, Finns are lucky to have such a man, seems an honest broker.
    I like him, so different to the politicians in other European countries.

    • avet super
      avet super Місяць тому

      Not all eyes see that way

    • yp77738yp77739
      yp77738yp77739 Місяць тому

      @avet super Where am I being naive please? The main contentious issues I see are in joining NATO and also immigration, both of which have positive and negative outcomes.

  • Bob Mac
    Bob Mac 3 місяці тому +19

    superb interview. best of luck to Finland and Sweden in their NATO acceptance.

  • Nils Larson
    Nils Larson 3 місяці тому +43

    as a Scandinavian i was always impressed how Finland managed to balance its relationship w Russia . Respectful and sensible , like a good neighbor . Unfortunately this is now history . Despite all the media hype in one direction there must be many fins who feel the same way.

    • O S
      O S 3 місяці тому +5

      I have unnerving feeling about this. I know people view the Nato as pure defence alliance but after research the foreign policies surface and especially the US foreign policy which is abysmally criminal.
      Also I feel that it has been unnatural to trash the politicians that had something to do with Russian relations alltogether. These politicians were not pro-Putinists but for peaceful cooperation. None of them wanted to be some Russian agents, but this campaign in media made them look like that. Ex-president Halonen got called Putin's whore and such. Then the press fearmongering. It just didn't seem natural at all.
      I'm waiting how this unfolds because I think that we were safe before Nato bid, but now...? We're not a member yet, we send gear to Ukraine..So it feels like a gamble that are we going to get Nato membership and is it true that Russia will not tolerate more Nato on it's borders? If they win in Ukraine the situation might change drastically and if we are not in Nato by then..are we going to be the next Ukraine? Those Nato missiles will fly fast to Moscow from Helsinki, so Russia might want to do something.. Nobody talks about this, but it is a possibility and currently the war isn't going too well for the Ukrainians. All these countries that Russia had wars with had something to do with US influence and now it's pretty clear we have US influence also and we're a neigbouring country. These two things are facts and whatever reason they think Putin is starting these wars, these are things in common. Even the Chechen leader had connections to the US. I just think that the said reason expansion for land grab is logical. They don't need land because they've plenty of it. And expansion for the sake of expansion is also illogical.
      Well, we'll see.

    • YTP Lol
      YTP Lol 3 місяці тому

      @O S I view it as malice..

    • Paul Gibbon
      Paul Gibbon 3 місяці тому +6

      @O S Botski reported. May you soon be drafted.

  • Omaer Arafat
    Omaer Arafat 3 місяці тому +20

    He knows the deal, excellent politician, and is a smart leader. becomes his fan after watching his first-ever interview.

  • jogu123
    jogu123 3 місяці тому +39

    Europe is on a better way now to unity from a military as well as economical perspective! That’s very good to see and having the Nordics on board is very refreshing in many ways…

    • rado van
      rado van 3 місяці тому +3

      Really,EU is more divided than ever,and will brake up!

    • mixlllllll
      mixlllllll 2 місяці тому +3

      ​@rado van lol no, EU is now more united than probably ever

  • Trev S
    Trev S 3 місяці тому +68

    Finland is in safe hands with this guy

    • Eero A
      Eero A 2 місяці тому +1

      Its a shame that hes only going to be in power until 2024.. i wish he could remain as our president forever

    • NellasxElensar
      NellasxElensar 2 місяці тому +1

      Yep... until next year when he's going to step down after two terms .__. His successor's got big shoes to fill!

  • CISY
    CISY 3 місяці тому +29

    His answers are very balanced, He seems a very pragmatic person with self awareness 👍

  • Sean Donahue
    Sean Donahue 3 місяці тому +20

    It is nice to see a leader like him. If he is a good representative of other members of the Finnish Gov't, I wish we had a few like him here in USA.

  • Ernie Buchinski
    Ernie Buchinski 3 місяці тому +29

    As an American who's lived in Helsinki since 1995, I can say that I wish my native country had leaders even 10% the caliber of President Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister Sanna Marin. The US has about 1/3 of a billion people, and yet the leaders it comes up with, election after election, aren't competent enough to sharpen the pencils, metaphorically speaking, of leaders such as President Niinistö or Prime Minister Marin. 🇫🇮

    • inso80
      inso80 2 місяці тому

      I think Sanders has a pretty sharp pencil. He is also the only one I could think of.

  • Hugh Riddle
    Hugh Riddle 3 місяці тому +19

    Wish we all had such a leader.

  • Freddie Cruz
    Freddie Cruz 2 місяці тому +3

    God Bless Finland and it's people.

  • tosa
    tosa 3 місяці тому +13

    Thanks brothers and sisters from the free world for you supporting comments. Together we are strong. We stand with Ukraine 🇺🇦 🇫🇮🤗!

  • Robert Gregic
    Robert Gregic 3 місяці тому +5

    I predicted the war even before 2014. I'm sure I wasn't the only one. Unfortunately, short-term economic gains and our hubris made the war possible. On a side note, president Niinisto is a good president and understands the strategic risks and implications much better than many other Western European counterparts.

  • Eon K
    Eon K 2 місяці тому +4

    A smart and savvy leader who knows what he's talking about. Respect!

  • Ronald Cole
    Ronald Cole 3 місяці тому +29

    Finland too has had Russia invade its lands before having land taken. But now it's very, very different in Finland. Finland is the only country in the world that can shelter 100% of its population under ground for literally any type of attack. Their border defenses are specifically built and well maintained to be years long meat grinders for any invading army.
    There's are reason Finland doesn't fear Russia.

    • John Tavastian
      John Tavastian 2 місяці тому

      @Kalevic no en nyt ihan sanois noin

    • Anderpanders
      Anderpanders 2 місяці тому +1

      only on one border, our two other borders are not as well protected; for obvious reasons

    • Kalevic
      Kalevic 2 місяці тому

      @John Tavastian Totta se on.

    • John Tavastian
      John Tavastian 2 місяці тому

      @Kalevic henkilö jolle vastasin on poistanut kommenttinsa, en siis sanonut nain alkuperäisestä kommentista

  • tamas gyorffy
    tamas gyorffy 3 місяці тому +137

    My first impression and thought is that "you Finns are lucky to have such a President and such a Prime Minister!" ..... from Hungary, the not-any-more-democracy

    • Lars Ronæs
      Lars Ronæs 3 місяці тому +27

      I hope that Hungary will return to the path of democracy and freedom, and wish you all of luck in that. And hope that the rest of us can help somehow. For Hungary, and for Europe. Greetings.

    • NEH
      NEH 3 місяці тому +17

      The whole of Europe is watching Hungary with tears running and in disbelief. How can you look at the way you are looking at now. How is it possible you want to take that path...

    • tamas gyorffy
      tamas gyorffy 3 місяці тому +5

      @H P thx bro

    • Kiskis
      Kiskis 3 місяці тому +9

      Dont agree about prime minister. She is tough and good politician but she does not know how to run economics. Niinistö is one of the only trustworthy politician in Finland and it is cos he does not belong any parties. He got over 60% votes even without political party.

  • gherkamum
    gherkamum 3 місяці тому +95

    Respect to Finland..

  • K RT 55
    K RT 55 3 місяці тому +89

    Finland has always been involved with Natos security interests as a peace keeping country since 1994, so joining Nato is just another step forward, especially under the present climate with Ukraine. Hopefully, Sweden not far behind.
    Big respect for Niinisto, straight to the point.

    • K RT 55
      K RT 55 3 місяці тому +5

      @Daniel Beyond Ukraine was neutral after the Budapest Manifesto...and Ukraine are now suffering for it. Putin broke and violated that international agreement. He will do the same somewhere else.

    • Nigel de Sylva
      Nigel de Sylva 3 місяці тому +1

      @K RT 55 Check out the Minsk agreement and just see who failed to honour it.

    • YTP Lol
      YTP Lol 3 місяці тому

      Climate, feelings, rights, eee, blurrgh..

  • TheTroLLinator2
    TheTroLLinator2 3 місяці тому +66

    What a nice man.

  • Phillip Leech
    Phillip Leech 3 місяці тому +18

    I love his dry humor. He always manages to crack me up when I least expect it! Lol

  • Harald Bj Thunem
    Harald Bj Thunem 3 місяці тому +16

    Top top President Niinisto.
    What a president (and PM) the Finns got !
    ❤️ 🇫🇮 FINLAND🇫🇮 + NATO ❤️

  • John
    John 3 місяці тому +14

    One of few leaders I can respect ✊🏻 today in Europa.

  • Diana Woods
    Diana Woods 3 місяці тому +30

    Turkey should not be in NATO in the first place but we must deal with a difficult leader. I hope Sweden and Finland joins soon.

  • Nully Emptier
    Nully Emptier 3 місяці тому +12

    I admire Niinisto's clear mind

  • NORNISSE
    NORNISSE 3 місяці тому +16

    Sauli is a rare man. Our neighbours are lucky to have him!

  • Peter Vautmans
    Peter Vautmans 3 місяці тому +43

    the little smile when he said Russia needed their troops elswhere

  • Sandy Boehm
    Sandy Boehm 3 місяці тому +9

    I wish there were more politicians and leaders like this man. Such integrity.

  • Jacqui Smith
    Jacqui Smith 3 місяці тому +12

    Love this gut, sauli Ninistro. He is so direct and honest, rare qualities in a politician. Bravo!

  • Debbie Metke
    Debbie Metke 2 місяці тому

    We always thought we were Swedish but just discovered we are actually Finnish and I'm going there in early June. Getting prouder and prouder to meet the Finns, like this wonderful president.

  • RallyBanana
    RallyBanana 2 місяці тому +3

    Finland and Russia have a long shared history, we have learned that no matter how big a country is, it will fall if you don't give up. In Finland, it is called "Sisu." and Sauli is a man who has it in him.

  • Nick
    Nick 3 місяці тому +32

    Love this finnish president.
    The Fins should keep this gentleman at the top for as long as possible.
    He doesn't mince his words. He's a solid/straight and focused leader.

    • perseapina
      perseapina 3 місяці тому +15

      he's being replaced in 2024 since has served two terms then and isn't eligible to run.

    • Nick
      Nick 3 місяці тому +4

      @perseapina unfortunately

    • Henriikka K
      Henriikka K 3 місяці тому +5

      Thanks, but he's serving his second term so we are going to let him retire.

    • Riku Roitto
      Riku Roitto 2 місяці тому +3

      I would like to bend our laws for him and allow him to continue for a one extra term.

    • 🗿Moai 🗿
      🗿Moai 🗿 2 місяці тому +4

      a lot of finns say that we wouldn't mind a dicatorship under sauli lol

  • hans ericsson
    hans ericsson 3 місяці тому +29

    I am Swedish and i Think Finland should join Nato as soon as possible, even if Sweden can not.

  • Sunny Island
    Sunny Island 3 місяці тому +15

    He is an Honorable Man, a good Man. He is a great Leader.

  • leo plaate
    leo plaate 3 місяці тому +14

    Finland is a great country ..!!! i visit Finland in 1984 and met the people there ..., was impressed of how relaxed and peacefull they are ..
    sooooo ..., if Finland was attaced by Ruzzia ....? guess what will happen in my mind ..?

  • Robert
    Robert 2 місяці тому +9

    From Sweden we have a LOT to learn from our neighbor Finland. They have made many good decisions about matters that Sweden has totally failed. I really like president Sauli. He is exactly what Sweden needs. Unfortunately we dont have any one like him.

    • Tuppoo94
      Tuppoo94 2 місяці тому

      And we don't really have anyone to replace him with next year. Don't even get me started on our current government. I'm surprised they've lasted almost their entire term.

  • Olli-Pekka Juusola
    Olli-Pekka Juusola 2 місяці тому +13

    Finland has always wanted to be as good as possible to neighboring countries and maintain good international diplomatic relations and interests. ✍💙

  • Cornish Valhalla
    Cornish Valhalla 3 місяці тому +9

    One of, if not, the best Presidents in the world

  • 🔱Willie🔱
    🔱Willie🔱 3 місяці тому +40

    I've played lots of videogames with Finnish people and they always beat me somehow. Never underestimate the Finnish. 😅

    • asdf
      asdf 3 місяці тому +1

      I like to guess that It's that cold weather. More time focused on indoor activities.

    • Susanna
      Susanna 3 місяці тому +12

      @asdf nah. Winter is great time for outdoors activities like skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, skating, ice-hockey so on. Cold weather does not stop us being outside

    • Duh Ni
      Duh Ni 3 місяці тому +4

      @Susanna I would add ice fishing and hunting on that list too. Also we travel a lot during winter months.

    • Susanna
      Susanna 3 місяці тому +3

      @Duh Ni yes, good add. Ice-fishing is common winter activity too and ice-swimming avanto. Finns travel a lot, thats right also

  • Arthur Johnson
    Arthur Johnson 3 місяці тому +63

    Finland has their military act together. Russia needs to read history and remember the Winter War of 1939. But now they have Western technology and weapons and the support of the rest of the world. Not like 1939. Love your leadership. Free Finland Forever!

    • Bambaclot
      Bambaclot 3 місяці тому +1

      Yeah they have Western technology, but they also have the modern western mindset. The tough and rugged people of the 1930s and 40s are long gone.
      Now most of their populace can't figure out which bathroom to use and can't look away from their phones for more than 20 seconds.

    • Cyberfunk
      Cyberfunk 3 місяці тому +10

      @Bambaclot I bet according to you, in Russia "they know which bathroom to use" so has it helped them win the war? No it didn't, because those are the type of things small minds think about while smart people don't care what other adults do in their bedrooms etc. Men in Finland still go through military service and are motivated and capable of defending the country no matter if they aren't identical to generations before. They don't have their phones with them during basic training so you don't need to worry about the 20 seconds.

    • Cyberfunk
      Cyberfunk 3 місяці тому +4

      @Hovstacoolianz Finland had to mind the opinion of CCCP for decades but now when it finally joins NATO it is actually safe from Russian aggression.

    • BITTOO CHATTERJEE
      BITTOO CHATTERJEE 3 місяці тому

      Did Finland Win 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔😕😕👀👀😁😁

  • Peter Quach
    Peter Quach 3 місяці тому +6

    Well spoken Finn's President.

  • Mats Karlsson
    Mats Karlsson 3 місяці тому +7

    Proud of my finnish brother

  • tess lake
    tess lake 3 місяці тому +67

    Thanks Finland ! Coming from an American who have generations coming from Finland … ya are so awesome president of Finland!!

  • Sherri
    Sherri 3 місяці тому +16

    Common sense love the Finns 🙌❤️

  • Fabbe
    Fabbe 2 місяці тому +4

    Thank you for the beautiful words about us finns

  • David Post
    David Post 3 місяці тому +8

    I like President Ninito very much. He is so solid in what he puts forth.

  • Johnny Tampocao
    Johnny Tampocao 3 місяці тому +19

    Turkey must ratify the request of both countries, Erdogan shouldn't use as an excuse those actions done by some minority element in Swedish society. As a NATO member he must be responsible enough to do what other member state are doing unless Putin is influencing him due his personal relationship with him. Finland and Sweden are responsible country and deserve to be accepted to NATO asap.

    • Tessa Smith
      Tessa Smith 3 місяці тому +2

      We are all expecting that Erdogan will soon be told that NATO is the defensive alliance of the Democratic West. If he thinks Turkey belongs in NATO - but Sweden and Finland does not - then he is more than a little bit naive...

  • Ron Reagan
    Ron Reagan 3 місяці тому +19

    Great interview. thank you France24.

  • I'ma Mario
    I'ma Mario 3 місяці тому +8

    I love Finland president very smart and clam. He knows all the questions and the answers to them. Very good interview.

  • Natalie Turko
    Natalie Turko 3 місяці тому +13

    The biggest problem Ukraine has always had is having an aggressive neighbour who has tormented them for generations.

    • jooseppi B
      jooseppi B 2 місяці тому +2

      This is everyone bordering on ruzzia

  • Carol Delaney
    Carol Delaney 3 місяці тому +10

    Excellent Finland ❤

  • busani Mthati
    busani Mthati 3 місяці тому +6

    I like this Finland 🇫🇮 president
    He’s an honourable man

  • Armin Prnjavorac
    Armin Prnjavorac 3 місяці тому +13

    I like this guy. Straight answers, no bs.

  • Orbital79
    Orbital79 2 місяці тому +3

    Sauli Niinistö the President of Finland, never cracks under pressure

  • Mini Max, Mia and me.
    Mini Max, Mia and me. 3 місяці тому +17

    Scandinavians are peace loving people/countries, like my own, but this unprovoked war has changed our perspective forever. 🇨🇦

    • Kalevic
      Kalevic 2 місяці тому +1

      We are Finno-Ugric, not Norse/Scandi. Stop erasing our language and ethnicity.

    • Cloud
      Cloud 2 місяці тому +3

      @Kalevic No one mentioned anything about erasing language or ethnicity. I don't know my finnish brothers to take offense so easily and I especially don't think they'd invent something like this from a simple friendly comment from a Canadian. You must either be very young or a troll.

    • Sweetinsane
      Sweetinsane 2 місяці тому +1

      Many thanks, but we Finns are not Scandinavian, we just neighbour Scandinavia. It is a very common misconception that the terms Scandinavia and Nordic are interchangeable, but they are not. Calling us Scandis is kinda like calling the Scottish people English.

  • R Westbrook
    R Westbrook 3 місяці тому +5

    thank you President Niinisto, your concerns have been noted and the welcome hand of unity towards NATO is extended. once the eyes are opened its a hard thing to turn the other cheek. your wisdom now knowing that truth, we as always do appreciate and welcome your comments...
    "R" (thank you Finland) "and thank you President Niinisto"

  • nick4819
    nick4819 3 місяці тому +63

    I love you Finland!

    • Artsi
      Artsi 2 місяці тому

      🇺🇲🤝🇫🇮

  • B. Benjamin Eriksson
    B. Benjamin Eriksson 3 місяці тому +5

    I have so much respect for this man. Always level-headed.
    Sweden will also give tanks it seems. 10 tanks says rumours.

  • Philip Grabarski
    Philip Grabarski Місяць тому +1

    I have a lot of respect for this man . Respect from 🇬🇧

  • Ung Grabb
    Ung Grabb 3 місяці тому +27

    Finnish susu. Hats off

    • TechPiller
      TechPiller 3 місяці тому +15

      "Sisu". Thanks!

    • jooseppi B
      jooseppi B 2 місяці тому +9

      But Fazer susu isn't that bad either 😉

    • History Ouuu
      History Ouuu 2 місяці тому +1

      @jooseppi B Suffeli, Kismet, Fazerina ja Geisha ;)

    • What???
      What??? 2 місяці тому +1

      Sisu

  • Fats Torvolay
    Fats Torvolay 3 місяці тому +9

    Best politician I've ever seen.

  • Thianthip Topia
    Thianthip Topia 3 місяці тому +9

    As a Danish citizen i think I know what the Finish thinking

  • Eduardo Deveza
    Eduardo Deveza 3 місяці тому +6

    Brave nation!

  • Tuija Saari
    Tuija Saari 3 місяці тому +15

    Really love our president: humble, insightful, realistic, honest. And also a tsunami survivor from the 2004 catastrophe with his son.

    • Cloud
      Cloud 2 місяці тому +1

      Damn, I didn't know that. Some close friends were affected too but luckily made it out alive.
      I respect him too.

    • kirsi enckelman
      kirsi enckelman 2 місяці тому

      Niinistö on maanpetturi, ja joutuu vielä vastaamaan tekosistaan. Nyt on viemässä meitä sotaan kovaa vauhtia. Minkälainen maanpäämies tekee näin.

    • mixlllllll
      mixlllllll 2 місяці тому +1

      ​@kirsi enckelman 🤦‍♀️

  • Antonio de Carvalho
    Antonio de Carvalho 3 місяці тому +16

    What a statesman!

  • Čhetán Witkó
    Čhetán Witkó 3 місяці тому +21

    I'm such a Finnophile 🥰🇫🇮❣️!
    Emme pelkää, mutta olemme hereillä!

  • Lauren Crouse
    Lauren Crouse 3 місяці тому +7

    great interview, thank you