Finland’s PM: If Russia attacks Ukraine, it will face tough consequences

Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin believes that a possible escalation of the situation between Russia and Ukraine could lead to the imposition of much tougher U.S. EU sanctions on Moscow.

"If Russia attacks Ukraine or escalates in other ways, it will have serious consequences. Both the United States and Europe will impose very tough sanctions, much tougher than before," Marin told Yle Radio Suomi in an interview.

According to her, Russia must strive to relieve tensions and act in accordance with previous agreements.

"Russia has a great responsibility to ensure that the situation does not worsen," the politician added.

As reported, Russia has amassed about 100,000 troops on its border with Ukraine in recent weeks. These maneuvers raise great concerns in Western countries amid fears of Moscow’s attack. NATO warned Russia that such a move would have far-reaching "strategic and economic" consequences. Moscow rejects the intention to invade Ukraine and explains the build-up as a measure to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO.

On December 5, Defense Minister of Ukraine Oleksiy Reznikov said that the total number of Russian troops near Ukraine's border could rise to 175,000.

According to Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar, the situation around Ukraine's borders remains difficult as Russia continues to redeploy troops to maintain tensions in the region.

Photo: Pool / Getty Images

ol