Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin (SDP) met for a question-and-answer session with political affairs journalists on Wednesday where she described the present situation in Ukraine as "extremely worrying".
She told reporters that new EU sanctions against Russia will be coming, and loopholes in current sanctions are being looked at. In the coming months, the economic impact of sanctions will hit Russia with full force, she added.
On Thursday, Marin will be traveling to Paris for an informal, two-day meeting of EU leaders focused on the situation in Ukraine. Items on the agenda are expected to include strengthening the EU's defense capabilities and reducing energy dependence.
"Personally, I consider it very important that the whole EU be able to break away from Russian fossil energy as soon as possible," Marin stated.
Seeking consensus on Nato
The prime minister was asked if Finland's position on Nato membership will become clearer over the coming weeks with the presentation to parliament of a fresh government report on foreign and security policy.
"Personally, I consider it very important that we have the opportunity to discuss this [security] as a whole, as well," Marin replied.
She added that she considers it important that the political parties be given the opportunity to form their own position.
Marin said that the aim is now to build a national consensus, a vision, including on Nato issues. A debate will be seen this spring, but she was not willing to predict when a decision will be made. The prime minister indicated that so far there has been no formal discussion about calls for a Nato referendum.
When asked about Russia's reactions to a possible Nato bid, Marin emphasized that Finland makes its decisions independently. However, the impact, whatever the decision, will be widely assessed.
Effect on budget talks
The war in Ukraine will also be reflected in the government's spring budget talks.
The government, along with parliament, is faced by the urgent task dealing with issues related to economic recovery and security of supply, Marin pointed out.
However, she reiterated that Finland is ready to increase defense spending.