NATO backs Ukraine’s push to hit Russia harder, says Finnish president

Finnish president Alexander Stubb says NATO leaders back Ukraine’s push to conduct deeper strikes inside Russia, arguing that recent long-range drone campaigns have shifted how both the battlefield and potential mediation efforts are viewed.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Stubb links the impact of Ukraine’s deep-strike capability to changes in strategic thinking among those trying to help broker peace. He says that, following these developments, “everyone” — including the US — sees Ukraine as currently “on top” on the battlefield. In his view, this gives Kyiv its strongest negotiating position since 2022.

Stubb also argues that deep strikes help create political pressure inside Russia. He points to the idea that when war becomes “personal,” public support is more likely to erode, which in turn can open a pathway back to negotiations.

On escalation, he says escalation steps remain possible in principle, but he highlights lessons from nuclear-related concerns he raised with China, describing China’s response as very firm. Looking ahead, he warns Europe to prepare for near-term “hybrid” attacks and for the possibility that Russia could seek to attack Europe after rebuilding its forces.