Gaza situation terrifying, civilians in Ukraine not safe: Niinistö

President Sauli Niinistö on Monday criticized both the terrorism in Israel and the measures taken responding to it.

In his New Year speech for the last time to the nation, the President, who is going to complete his two terms after January 28 Presidential poll, also underscored the need for urgent humanitarian ceasefire and the release of hostages.

“The situation in Gaza is terrifying. First the evil of terrorism showed its cruellest face. Then, it was responded to with very harsh measures,” said Niinistö, adding that the worst is the suffering and distress of civilians on both sides of the conflict.

He also said it is imperative to find the will and means towards a lasting two-state solution and is no other alternative.

Pointing out the situation in Ukraine and Gaza, Niinistö said that the new year does not augur well for peace everywhere in the world.

“In Ukraine, the front line remains almost unchanged, but the war is in motion. It is being fought on the battlefields where every day claims new lives. And even civilian population is not safe in any way,” said the President.

He expressed concern over the continuation of the assistance given to Ukraine.

“In my opinion, in this matter it is not so much a question of lack of will or weariness. A more serious issue is ensuring the capacity to provide long-term assistance, availability of sufficient resources,” the President added.

“Europe must wake up. We do not need investments in military production solely to provide necessary assistance. It is needed as a means to convince that Europe is strong,” he said.

He also said that the initial estimations about Russia´s consequence following the war were not happened.

“At first, Russia was supposed to defeat Ukraine within a few weeks. It did not go that way. The bravery shown by the Ukrainians repelled the attack. Then it was believed that the Russian economy and military capacity would collapse. It did not go that way either. Full-scale war still continues, nearing its second anniversary,” Niinistö said.

He said it is also clear that, in the transatlantic relationship, the Europeans are expected to bear much more responsibility. In other words, more European NATO in Europe.

“Taking clear and rapid steps to take on this responsibility is also the best response to all speculations on how the U.S. elections will affect the security cooperation,” he said.

Talking about the security he said that The Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) between Finland and United States and the intensified Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) will enhance security to a major extent and Finland's security is now sealed behind multiple locks.

He also termed the meeting between the Presidents of US and China as significant development in global politics.

“The other major question concerns the global division and the relationship between China and the United States in particular. The mere fact that the presidents of the two nations met after a long while was significant as such. It also gave both parties an opportunity to map attitudes and positions,” Niinistö added.

“I now greet you officially for the last time. I do that with deep gratitude for having had the opportunity to present my views – be they more or less accurate,” the President said in his last new year speech.