We are not starting a new Cold War. Russia started it by attacking Ukraine, violating international law, and breaking the European security order that we have been building together for decades.
Analysis
In an interview with Yle on 6 April 2022, President Niinistö stated that Finland does not intend to spark a new Cold War and that the conflict was caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which violated international law and the European security order. The wording matches the quoted statement. No evidence contradicts this attribution.
Background
Finland applied for NATO membership in March 2022 after Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine. The president’s remarks were intended to reassure neighbouring states and emphasize Finland’s defensive posture while condemning Russia’s actions. The interview was widely reported in Finnish media.
Verdict summary
President Sauli Niinistö said Finland is not starting a new Cold War; Russia started it by invading Ukraine.
Sources consulted
— https://yle.fi/a/74-20003771 (Yle interview transcript, 6 April 2022)
— https://www.presidentti.fi/en/news/2022/04/president-ninisto-on-nato-and-russia/ (Official presidential press release summarising the interview)
— https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/finland-president-says-russia-started-new-cold-war-2022-04-06/ (Reuters report covering the interview)