Finland Calls for Stronger Sanctions on Russia's Energy Sector

Finland Urges Intensified Pressure on Russia

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen has publicly stated that while recent sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union on Russia's energy sector are crucial, they are not yet sufficient to compel Moscow to end its war against Ukraine. Valtonen emphasized the need for allies to significantly increase economic and political pressure on Russia.

Speaking on the matter, Valtonen remarked, 'We simply have to increase the pressure. Unfortunately, we seem to be unable to change Russia's imperialistic goals, but we should be able to change their calculus.' She highlighted that the ongoing conflict 'costs a lot of money' and that its real economy is struggling to withstand the strain.

Recent Sanctions by US and EU

Valtonen's comments come in the wake of new, coordinated sanction efforts from Washington and Brussels. The United States recently imposed measures targeting Russia's two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil. These sanctions, announced around October 22-24, 2025, involve freezing all US-based assets of these firms and prohibiting US companies from conducting business with them. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that these actions were taken due to 'Putin's refusal to end this senseless war' and that the targeted companies are responsible for funding the Kremlin's 'war machine'.

Concurrently, the European Union formally adopted its 19th package of sanctions against Russia on October 23, 2025. This comprehensive package includes:

• A phased ban on Russian Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) imports, with short-term contracts to be prohibited within six months and long-term contracts by January 1, 2027.
• Full transaction bans on major Russian oil companies Rosneft and Gazprom Neft, removing previous exemptions.
• An expansion of measures against Russia's 'shadow fleet', adding 117 vessels to the sanctions list, bringing the total to 557. These vessels now face port access bans and prohibitions on receiving services.
• Targeting of Chinese entities involved in purchasing Russian crude oil and restrictions on financial institutions utilizing Russian payment systems.

Finland's Stance and Economic Impact

Finland, which shares a significant border with Russia, has consistently aligned with EU policy in implementing sanctions since the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022. Foreign Minister Valtonen has previously stated that sanctions must remain in place even if the war ends, advocating for any dismantling to be 'gradual and under strict conditions'. She also noted Finland is pushing for tariffs on Russian imports.

Despite the economic cost, which has seen bilateral trade between Finland and Russia plunge and contributed to Finland's economy falling into recession, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has reiterated Finland's hardline stance, calling Russia a 'permanent threat'. Finland joined NATO in 2023, a move that further underscored its commitment to collective security.

Valtonen's call for intensified pressure underscores a belief that Russia only respects strength and that sustained economic and political measures are essential to alter Moscow's strategic calculations and ultimately achieve a resolution to the conflict.