Finnish security was front and centre of Sauli Niinistö's last New Year's speech as president.
He said Finland's security now was "even more firmly established," noting the country's entry into Nato last spring.
"The Russian demand to prevent Finland and Sweden from joining Nato was an indication of her efforts to change the status quo and to create a grey sphere of interest within Europe," he said, adding that Sweden's accession to the alliance seemed to be moving forward.
Niinistö appeared to want to reassure Finnish viewers, saying, "Finland's security is now sealed behind multiple locks."
He referenced a new defence pact (DCA) with the United States as well as membership in the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) led by the United Kingdom.
"Wake up"
He also called on Europe to "wake up" and invest in defence not only to aid Ukraine but to deter Russia, which he said was "regaining some of her self-esteem."
"Russia is never as strong as she looks; Russia is never as weak as she looks. This phrase, presented in many forms over time, holds a grain of truth," he told viewers.
The past few months have seen speculation swirling around whether a second Donald Trump presidency would signify a US retreat from Europe and Nato.
"It is also clear that, in the transatlantic relationship, the Europeans are expected to bear much more responsibility," Niinistö said.
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Although tasked with overseeing Finland's foreign policy, Niinistö also highlighted everyday matters and the Finnish economy. As a former finance minister, he once again warned about Finland's increasing public debt, the weak development of the economy and people's struggles to make ends meet.
To tackle these problems, Niinistö suggested the establishment of committees working over several electoral terms. This would help build perspectives carrying from one parliamentary period to the next, he said.
Only at the end of his speech did Niinistö acknowledge his 12 years in office coming to an end.
"I now greet you officially for the last time. I do that with deep gratitude for having had the opportunity to present my views — be they more or less accurate."
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