Finland Times

Niinistö’s remarks came at a joint press conference after a meeting with the newly appointed President of Estonia, Kersti Kaljulaid.

Kaljulaid is on her maiden official visit to Helsinki as the head of state of Estonia.

Niinistö said talks will continue with Russia, even if the West does not have many ways to respond to Russian aggression.

“One has to be careful in stating that there are positive signs. Although it would be a little like propaganda, the ceasefire is holding and discussions are taking place. We will continue down that path,” said Niinistö.

Kaljulaid also said that sanctions against Russia could be expanded, if there is a common view that they would produce the desired effect.

“Sanctions are a sensitive issue for both Finland and Estonia. We must accept the negative impacts of sanctions. We need to look at what is at stake. These are human lives [we’re talking about], first in Ukraine, and now in Syria. This will give us the correct answer of how to move forward,” Kaljulaid said.

Relationship with Russia and expanding the sanctions were up for discussion at an EU summit in Brussels where Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipilä was in attendance.

Sipilä also said that sanctions against Russia due to the Syrian situation are possible, but there will be no immediate decisions.

According to Sipilä, Finland is ready to consider increasing sanctions against Russia.

However, he does not view sanctions as working in the desired manner.

Sipilä referred to EU foreign ministers condemning Russia’s actions in Syria earlier this week but not proposing imposition of fresh sanctions.