Finland's President Sauli Niinistö discusses his phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin after Finland announced their intention to join NATO. #CNN #News
While studying in most countries will require handing over an often-hefty tuition fee, Finland has somehow managed to keep university education entirely state-funded - even for international students. Primary schooling begins the year the student turns seven years old and is provided at no cost to the pupil. Information sources: Top Universities. Education State University
@@qad951 The alternative is that half of a country can't afford secondary education and overall the country becomes dumber. Ergo you have the US Republicans.
As a Swede, I agree with him; this is a time where our +200 years of neutrality must end. We don't feel threatened by Russia, but as a member of NATO, we can help taking a stand against terror.
These fools will Drag US to World war |||, my god Russia is left with NO OPTION other then to defend itself against these Evil Globalists… with No Brain … Folks U Watch !!!! 😱🤯
Agree hope Africa leaders and South Africa can learn lessons not stubin to only party policitcs not country all over Africa same can not manage kwaad corrupt no electricity fraud corruption is no 1
Free? You kidding, they will be occupied by the US for ever once they have boots in the ground. Look at Germany and Japan. And don't forget uncountable other places on the world.
Yeah which again leads to escalation and not the opposite. Finlands moves is such a bullshit and I hope everyone who supports it will realize how stupid they are when SATAN ICMs drop on their head.
Actually they are cmmunists, but it's the same thing overall, andf I'm not talking about the Finns - OBVIOUSLY - and for the sake of clarity - I am talking about PUTAIN - that APARATCHYK of a KGB pseudo-"academy".
The thing with our Finnish president is that he sees himself as equal as anyother finn and is not above anyone. Care about everybody else. This was really seen a few years ago when he travelled from Finland he was in economy class on the aircraft reading a newspaper or when he went on a for him interesting event at a auditorium and the seats were full so he saw that and sat down in the staircase and was 100% fine with that and didnt want to disturb anyone or when he was as a president shoveling snow from his own home and journalists photographed him and basicly told them that its fun to do these normal things. Theres alot of high rank people that can learn from him!
People have jokingly said that he should be made into a king of finland :D back in the day we had this president who ruled for 25 years or so when the maximum is 12 years. Two consecutive 6 year terms. This time it would actually be very good
Yes, I am proud. Some years ago he had a meeting in television with a russian general who previously had made a speech containing very controversial claims about Finland and Russia. Niinistö initiated discussion with: "Well, general had a speech...." staring at russian general. Niinistö is lawyer, and general felt like a defendant in court.
Finland's president seems extremely well spoken, intelligent, calm, rational and oriented towards finding solutions. I wish my country (Austria) had such politicians... He's of an exceedingly rare sort in central Europe and the western world in general.
So nice to hear from sivilized people a around the world! im proud to be Finnish, lived there 31 years im allso citizen of USA lived here 31 years! i miss sraight talking Finns.
He said Finland was fine to be neutral until Putin decided to threaten and take the choice from them. Why is the reporter trying to say they were afraid when they are actually standing directly against the bully? I applaud Finland.
You got that right. Ukraine is defending itself like Finland used to, and nobody should do it alone. We should evolve as a species and forget the wars, as there are no winners there but at the same time raise against bullies.
@@kirilstoianov3422 we don't need US money. Neither does our president. We are doing quite well, thanks. Just need assurance that we have allies if shit hits the fan.
I wish my country (Canada) could have a well spoken leader like him. Our past few prime ministers from my experience would often beat around the bush for not knowing how to reply certain questions.
I love this guy. Fins are truly blessed to have such a president 🙏 He's an absolute gentleman but on the other hand "a sterne and solid leader " who doesn't take any shit from Russia lol He knows his people and represents them collectively "very well"
Finland's HDI value for 2019 is 0.938- which put the country in the very high human development category The Finland GDP per capita is projected to trend around 48300.00 USD in 2022 The current life expectancy for Finland in 2022 is 82.31years In 2020, infant mortality rate for Finland was 1.9 deaths per 1,000 live births. Finland ranks 7th among the 132 economies featured in the GII 2021. Information sources: HDR UNDP. Trading Economics. Macrotrends. Knoema. WIPO
@mka if Russia attacks Finland, we will be praying for the handful of Russian survivors after NATO steamrolls them. Will be interesting dividing Russia into little pieces.
Don't assume, you become politician once you have discovered you have 2 left hands and are not capable of anything else. They can't function normally as normal person, catch a snack at Joe's on the corner and have fun. they live in a world they create in their own head and it's only exists there. Did you see any of them create something? build a car, bike or something?
American politicians, even the very well educated ones, try to sound as low class and ignorant as they possibly can, talking down to the American public. They assume we are all stupid, wanting a dictator, and wanting to be brainwashed by the economic elite. They may be right. We'll see in the next 2 elections.
This gentleman has more coherence, statesmanship and democratic leadership excellence in his pinky toe than the sitting American President has manifest in his entire 52 year long career in public "service."
Repent to Jesus Christ “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” Habakkuk 2:14 NIV
I think you can basically sum this up by the saying "It's better to be safe then sorry". He doesn't necessarily think Russia would attack Finland but he's taking the safe option that also puts Finland in a better position to make a positive change in the world and lead humanity to peaceful times.
@@fastyaveit of course not. The sole reason for its existence is to keep bullies in check. You can't change the behavior of the Putins in the world by asking them nicely.
This gentleman has more coherence, statesmanship and democratic leadership excellence in his pinky toe than the sitting American President has manifest in his entire 52 year long career in public "service."
Mr Niinisto seems to be an honest and down-to-earth leader. Respecting others and not yielding to pressure by any other nation. Finland will definitely be an asset to NATO.
Sauli has been in contact with Putin through all these years, diplomacy between the west and Russia. Really like his wisdom and empathy. He has two more years until another president needs to be elected, but i fear there will be no equal in Finland and also in Europe that can have a direct dialogue with Putin. Sauli used to be a lawyer, I suppose the moral and wisdom comes from that background, and those traits seem to make good officials.
Maria Gibbons, Absolutely, I wish the USA could elect a person like him as our President. Our country would be in a much better place and Donald Trump needs to take notice of what a true LEADER is!!
What is the part about the fact that the US is threatening through NATO the political and economic survival of Russia and China that you have a hard time understanding?
Finland isn't of Norse origin. Denmark, Sweden and Norway is. Finland isn't Scandinavian either. Again, only Denmark, Sweden and Norway is :) Cheers from a Dane
As a Finn, I think Sauli Niinistö represents us very well. He's level-headed, composed and rational, which are typical Finnish characteristics. He's able to face Putin and tell him how things are. His English is also quite decent for someone of his age.
As an American, I quite agree! I am very impressed by him. It’s so encouraging to see you and so many other Finns supporting him. I crave for a uniting feeling like that in my own country. Congratulations to you guys for your move ahead in NATO! 🇺🇸🇫🇮
I adore Finnish people. Cool, calm, logical and compassionate. They are quiet, but when they speak, you damn well better listen. Their president is no less than Mr. Spock himself lol. Live long and prosper Suomi friends!
President Sauli Niinistö is such a level headed person and I greatly appreciate his expertise in what he is doing. Great to have him and Sanna Marin as well 🇫🇮
"Everyone should be free to make their own decisions and own way in life." I'm looking forward how you will defend the decision of Solomon Islands to make a security deal with China and how you will furiously protest if the US will threaten either Solomon Islands or China because of that deal. Can't wait :)
@@tryndamereflux7823 the whole thing is retarded countries threatening each other and bullying each other look at what we've become a humanity it's disgusting. Such a clever and intelligent species and yet we are literally blow each other up it's pretty sad as it goes. Humanity really other worst of the worst and I'm not proud to be one. Honestly it's like we live in a completely different planet open the cloud think we own everything.
@@tryndamereflux7823 Yeah here’s what people seem to forget to add in those quotes, decisions can have consequences. If only China is seen as a trusted country then it wouldn’t be a problem then.
This is why countries like Finland are as good as they are. Incredibly down to earth, none of the unnecessary posturing and constant drama. While some governments get stuck in an endless cycle of blame and redirect, riling up people against each other, countries like Finland just, you know, move on and make good things happen.
Seriously impressed with the way the Finnish President speaks, an his stances here, what a bold, intelligent, well spoken man, need a dozen more like him.
This gentleman has more coherence, statesmanship and democratic leadership excellence in his pinky toe than the sitting American President has manifest in his entire 52 year long career in public "service."
interesting gentleman. I miss civilized discussion, here in the USA we have lost our way to a world that gets crazier every day it feels. I would want to help protect/defend a country full of people like that.
What a breath of fresh air. Question- answer. Respectful, diplomatic and I felt honest. My heart and respect goes out to all those leaders who are balancing this with care. The enormity and complexity of this is staggering. Thank you from a humble citizen of the World.
Yes it was refreshing. CNN also toned things down a bit they have been beating the drums of war for ratings since this began. Now someone needs to put a leash on our leadership bragging about killing Russian generals and work towards a solution.
Sauli Niinistö is a replica of every Finns. I know this for a fact because I've lived with them for over 15 years. Intelligent, rational, strong-willed, positively stubborn, humble, and honest people. Oh, I forgot to say SHY. Rakastan Suomi!
When you compare Justin Trudeau, who is beating his country all the way towards a communist Dictatorship with this man, it is very easy to see whose form of government is the superior.
The Finnish President should become Putin’s therapist . And teach him how to be cool , calm , collected and not be so reactive ... Love you Finland 🇫🇮..
I’m very surprised on the interviewer. She should have used the word concerned instead of the word worried! It made her sound like she was insinuating that the Finland president weak or scared. Personally CNN should’ve use somebody else for the interview.
They generally do not believe in gods and magic. Incidiently, they have one of the lowest crime rates on earth, an extremely high per capita income, high levels of education, focus on social programs for the benefit of their population, and score among the highest in the world happiness index. The fewer number of god believers a nation has directly relates to greater social health. They don't need any invisible wizard to charm them with magical enchantments. They're doing just fine on their own.
This gentleman has more coherence, statesmanship and democratic leadership excellence in his pinky toe than the sitting American President has manifest in his entire 52 year long career in public "service."
What about ukrain ???, they are sacrificing themselves instead of them finland and sweden are allowed to join nato ??? They are getting destroyed and finland and sweden will enjoy direct NATO protection. Lol , Ukrainian will learn in the end who were their real friends or who were just using them for their agenda . Thousands ukrainian are getting killed for NOTHING.
@Butchers From Beijing What do the Chinese have to do with this? Chinese idioms make even less sense when they've been translated into English. You need a translation of the translation.
It is respectful to allow a Finn to finish speaking(no pun intended). They consider it rude to cut them off. I'm sure the news anchor was told about that. You can see she wants to cut him off twice but she doesn't go through with it.
@@rasikkom9605 it's not just Finnish people that find it rude to get cut off- everyone does. She did cut him off once when she asked whether the president believed putin's demeanor implied non-hostility or not but abandoned that attempt shortly
As a fin, im so proud to hear your positive comments about are president Sauli Niinistö, He and our prime minister Sanna Marin are possibly best leaders for us at this time!
Smart and careful in his statements. The point that stands out for me is that Russia is forcing their hand by trying to remove their free will in the matter.
What is the part about the fact that the US is threatening through NATO the political and economic survival of Russia and China that you have a hard time understanding?
@@giuseppe5397 the USA is probably China's greatest trading partner. Nice try pulling them into this discussion though. This is all about Russia. Distractions won't work anymore.
@@giuseppe5397 The part where you claim its a fact. NATO in no way affects china in any way whatsoever. Furthermore, NATO is a pure military alliance that exists to defend its members against Russia. Defend. Yes, NATO might be used to attack smaller countries in western military interventions, but not against Russia. Because Russia has nukes.
To everyone else applauding President Niinistö in this interview; his disposition is not only exemplary of leadership but also of statesmanship & diplomacy. He is a president more than worthy of a NATO member nation and Finland must be welcomed to the alliance.
Dear Finnish and Swedish Friends, Peoples of Turkey welcome you and will be honored to create a better peaceful world for our children and their children. Peace!...
Nato doeant create peace. It weakens. It allows for the take over and destruction of the east while having back up to stop russia amd china from doing anything to stop it
Much love to Finland and Sweden from Ukraine, they doing a right thing by joining NATO, it's hard to stay neutral with unpredictable neighbour like this.
@Possum Hollow Actually almost every Nato country welcomes Finland with open arms. Ukraine was a different case, since Russia had already taken Crimea, and there were conflicts in Eastern Ukraine as well, so it was about timing in a nutshell.
@Possum Hollow doubtful 💩-tin would have struck, KNOWING that he is out-maned & out-ammo! What does he think he is accomplishing by stirring trouble with trade partners? Alienating others, instead of being welcoming? Isolation is the ony consolation prize he will be awarded.🏆
Where in this video are those words "you caused this"? Finnish President said elsewhere this . But Finlands joining NATO is detrimental to Finland. If Mr Niinisto does n't already know that, something else is wrong!
Kudos to President Niinsto. Having the balls to tell Putin, "We are a sovereign country. We make our own destiny. We determine our own security. Not you."
What about ukrain ?? they are sacrificing themselves instead of them finland and sweden are allowed to join nato ??? They are getting destroyed and finland and sweden will enjoy direct NATO protection. Lol , Ukrainian will learn in the end who were their real friends or who were just using them for their agenda . Thousands ukrainian are getting killed for NOTHING.
One thing all these reporters never touch on is that Finland held a pole and 75% for the people who took part in the vote 🗳 wanted their country to join NATO this is what changed, Finland is a Democracy and follows what the majority of people want. All these reporters are acting like it is the Prime Minister giving the yes to joining when it is the people overwhelmingly
During the Winter War a Soviet general hears someone shouting from the woods - "One Finnish soldier is better than ten Soviet". Angry, the general sends ten man to deal with annoying Fin. After a brief period of shots and dying Soviet's screams, comes another shout - "One Finnish soldier is better than one hundred Soviet". So the general sends one hundred soldiers and again none of them comes back. Then the general hears a third shout - "One Finnish soldier is better than a thousand Soviets". Furious, the general sends a thousand men to deal with him. Soon a great battle is heard from the woods, then a silence, then the panicked voice of the last surviving Soviet, "Don't send any more troops, it's a trap...there's two of them!"
@@michaelb247 The Soviets contributed to the war, but they would have been crushed without the western allies helping them through lend lease and bombing Germany. Just as the Western allies would have had a much tougher time of it if the Soviet Union had not been forcing The Nazis to fight on two fronts. The *Allies* won the war collectively.
Bottom line is that a sovereign nation can decide its own course. If Putin didn't want these countries to join NATO, then he should have offered something other than threats, violence and corruption.
If you knew anything about history you would know that Russia was in favor of NATO and even wanted to join. But after the Soviet collapse, USA needed a country to hate, and they decided it would be Russia. Since then they have vilified Russia in every way possible. Europeans know Russia is not a threat, but the USA is escalating this situation. EU is just sitting back.
I sincerely appreciate your candid comments, President Niinisto. And it begs a point with me. Why wouldn't Russia, for the betterment of their own society and people want to also join NATO. This isn't about a pissing match with USA, it's about many nations seeking security and a better future. Peace and collaboration have always demonstrated life improves for all with cooperation. Obviously, Putin and his old regime guard don't think so. Best regards to you and Finland. I think the Russian people (if they were free to think for themselves) would share their wishes to belong to a peaceful alliance with other nations that believe in peace and humanity. I totally welcome Finland to the nations who collectively stand together for freedom.
Fun fact: Many people in Finland want to alter current legislation so that Niinistö could serve a third term as president, even though Niinistö himself is very much opposed to the idea.
Not so common, most Finns believe their constitution. There is a good reason to limit presidencies, and Niinistö as a lawyer is strongly opposing these suggestions.
In last election I "forgot" to vote because I'm completely fine with whoever the president is here, but I'm still glad that it was Sale who won, even more so now. He even easily won in the hometown of the other candidate. Here the president is not like "I'M THE EXECUTIVE ORDER" kind of bullshit, though he has power to do things, but I can't recall any president using the full extend of their right as a president.
@@alastairbrewster4274 Yeah, but Prime Minister Sanna Marin is a hot 34 year old milf as well as a strong and caring representative of her people. 👁 👁 👄 So she can go to nightclubs if she likes because having Sanna on TV and in the news cheers up your average, red-blooded, male Finn (and open-minded female Finn).
Very good answer - that Putin was taking away Finland's free will choice before the invasion of Ukraine. And with the invasion, there was no room for being "nonaligned". Good answers. Finland must protect itself given the actions of Russia.
Putin has became The Greatest Man in the world. Putin has redrawn Ukraine's and Europe's map. And write Europe's history. Kherson has started the democratic process of applying to be part of Russia. Mariupol will fall to Russia soon.
What is the part about the fact that the US is threatening through NATO the political and economic survival of Russia and China that you have a hard time understanding?
Of course there is room for non-aligned. Many countries in the world are displaying that right now by not backing western actions against Russia, while not condoning Russian actions in Ukraine. It's really not a difficult balance.
As a Finnish citizen, I can confirm he actually is exactly like represented on this interview. I notice he isn't quite as well-spoken in English as he is in Finnish, but he's been super nice to everyone around him. Then again, Finland has had very similar history as far as the presidents go: not confrontational at all.
Telitoe may Finnish Friend, and if the Finnish President has not been the confrontational president at all so far, he must balance very wisely and prudently in the future between NATO and the Russian Federation so as not to become conflicting with his decisions and do more harm than good.I think that both countries have cooperated quite well with each other so far. I think it's best that I continue to do so in the future. So it is not wise to work to your detriment.
In the US we value tribalistic cynicism over honesty and accountability. We'll get better public servants when we begin to express better values as a society.
Trying to tow thr narrative that Finland is afraid of an attack by Russia when the truth is Finland has been prepared for an attack by Russia since WW2.