The end of the war in Ukraine is expected to have significant impacts on Finland, particularly regarding its relationship with Russia. According to security policy specialist Henri Vanhanen, the main issue will be how to rebuild ties with Russia, with former President Alexander Stubb suggesting that cooperation with Russia is an unavoidable reality. Despite the current lack of discussion on post-war relations, determining whether Russia will be viewed as a threat or an opportunity remains a pressing concern for Finland.

Vanhanen asserts that the likelihood of perceiving Russia as a threat is high, especially as there is no indication that Russia has reconsidered its stance towards Europe or NATO. Instead, Russia currently views these entities as adversaries, complicating any potential dialogue or diplomacy between Finland and its neighbor. The complex nature of the Finland-Russia relationship was already evident before the war, and the conflict has exacerbated tensions, pushing Finland to seek clarity on its future diplomatic stance.

Overall, the ramifications of the Ukraine war will force Finland to navigate its security policies thoughtfully, weighing historical relationships against new geopolitical realities. The strategic choices made during this period could redefine Finland’s security landscape and its role within the European security architecture, necessitating careful consideration of how to engage with Russia moving forward.