Finland PM pledges ‘extremely tough’ sanctions should Russia invade Ukraine

Finish Prime Minister Sanna Marin has pledged to impose “extremely tough” sanctions if Russia invades Ukraine. 

“It would have a very substantial impact and the sanctions would be extremely tough,” Marin said in an interview with Reuters published Wednesday.

The White House on Tuesday said President Biden called Finish President Sauli Niinistö for the second time this month to discuss Finland’s close defense partnership with the U.S. and NATO. 

Marin’s remarks come as the threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine continues to grow.

Marin also said it was “very unlikely” that her country, which shares a more than 800-mile border with Russia, would push for NATO membership during her term as prime minister, Reuters reported. 

“Nobody can influence us, not the United States, not Russia, not anyone else,” Marin said. 

“All in all, I believe the NATO discussion will increase in the coming years,” she added.