Finland FM Criticises US Move on Russian Oil, Urges Visa Curbs

Finland’s Foreign Minister, Elina Valtonen, has condemned the US decision to relax restrictions on Russian diesel shipments, stressing that increased cash for Moscow would be a mistake while the war with Ukraine continues.

Valtonen, speaking at a symposium in Singapore on Tuesday, said the United States should support Ukraine. She contended that Washington, as a major proponent of the free world, should back the country’s fight against Russian oppression.

Her statement came after US President Donald Trump lifted sanctions on Russian diesel exports. Valtonen stated that increasing funding for Russia’s military operation was the wrong way.

She also asked European Union countries to take a stricter stance on Russian tourists seeking visas, stating that restrictions should remain in place until Moscow ceases its war against Ukraine.

Finland FM Opposes US Easing of Russian Oil Sanctions

Valtonen warned that increased revenue from Russian energy exports could assist fund Russia’s imperial military effort. She stated that countries who cherish freedom should support the side confronting aggression rather than providing more financial support to its opponent.

In her speech in Singapore, the Finnish foreign minister emphasised the necessity of supporting Ukraine’s decision to live free of Russian persecution. She argued that the United States should use its position as a worldwide leader to defend that principle.

Her criticism followed Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Russian fuel exports. Valtonen’s remarks centred on the financial benefits Russia could derive from the move while the situation with Ukraine remained unresolved.

She also advocated for a more comprehensive international response to Ukraine. According to her, countries committed to freedom should stand beside the conflict victim.

The words mirror Finland’s stated position of constraining Russia’s financial resources and keeping pressure throughout the war. Valtonen’s comments linked energy-related penalties to the broader issue of international support for Ukraine.

Finland FM Calls for Stricter Russian Tourist Visa Rules

Valtonen also urged EU member states to suspend issuing tourist visas to Russian citizens until Russia ends its conflict against Ukraine. She stated that her European Union counterparts have expressed their support for the notion.

The Finnish minister expressed confidence that other EU countries will tighten restrictions even more. She also cited Russia’s hybrid war with Europe as another cause for harsher sanctions.

Valtonen’s proposal would keep restrictions on Russian tourist travel in place for the duration of the war. Her remarks urged EU nations to be more restrictive rather than liberalise access for Russian visitors.

She stated that her EU colleagues supported the overall premise, and that she expected member states to improve their actions. Her remarks did not establish a single implementation date or define the specific limits that each country should impose.

Valtonen’s two concerns — Russian diesel exports and tourist visas — were part of a larger appeal to maintain pressure on Moscow. She stated that countries that support freedom should support Ukraine while avoiding actions that could provide Russia with extra financial resources.

Her statements outlined Finland’s stance on the US sanctions decision and the necessity for tougher EU visa restrictions. She urged ongoing support for Ukraine until Russia’s war ends.