One year of war in Ukraine – Watch the discussion between Alexander Stubb and Mika Aaltola
Mika Aaltola, Alexander Stubb and Hanna Vesala took the stage at Sanomatalo to discuss the possibilites for peace in Ukraine. Picture: Maria Santto / CMI
What is needed for peace in Ukraine? The Chair of CMI’s board, Alexander Stubb and the Director of Finnish Institute of International Affairs, Mika Aaltola discussed the war in Ukraine, the possibilities of peace and Finland’s role in the international arena.
24 February 2023 marks one year of the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The war in Europe has shifted the entire global order and put the world in turmoil. What is needed for peace and who should be involved in the negotiations? How will the European security look like after the war – and what could Finland’s role be in building it?
These were some of the questions tackled in Helsinki, when the Chair of CMI’s board, Alexander Stubb and the Director of Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA), Mika Aaltola took the stage on 10 February to discuss the war in Ukraine. The event was hosted by journalist Hanna Vesala from Ilta-Sanomat in a joint event organized by CMI, FIIA and Ilta-Sanomat.
Both Stubb and Aaltola have been frequent commentators of the war since the beginning of the invasion both in Finnish and international media. They reminded, that the European security order will remain divided for decades even once the war is over.
“This is a question for an entire generation”, said Stubb.
The “weaponization” of everything raised concerns among the speakers. Alexander Stubb noted that turning instruments of international cooperation, such as technology and trade, as weapons of war creates restlessness and new global threats.
“The things that were supposed to bring us together are tearing us apart.”
What is needed in Ukraine is not just the end of warfare but a sustainable and reliable peace agreement. According to Mika Aaltola, a frozen conflict in Ukraine is a threat that should be avoided by all means.
“If the conflict continues to boil up under the surface, it can have bad consequences.”
Watch the recording of the event here.