Finnish Foreign Ministry: Russia's Economy is Weakening - More Sanctions Needed.

The Finnish Foreign Minister, Elina Valtonen, believes that strengthening sanctions against Russia is a necessary step to ensure a peace agreement in Ukraine. She urged Western countries to continue economic pressure on Russia in the coming critical months.

'We see that the sanctions are working, there are serious cracks appearing in the Russian economy. We just need to finish this matter for peace to come, I hope by the end of the year,' Valtonen said.

Economists also emphasize the existing tensions in the Russian economy in recent months, particularly due to the Central Bank raising its key interest rate to 21 percent.

The newspaper notes that while Vladimir Putin may sustain his military machine, the economic growth associated with large military expenditures and rising wages is running out.

Valtonen added that the United Kingdom and Finland support the need to reinforce the defense of Europe and provide assistance to Ukraine.

'We want our forces and resources to be strong enough to deter Russia or anyone else,' Valtonen noted. She pointed to the necessity of making the Finnish army 'operationally compatible within NATO, as well as aligned with NATO defense plans.'