Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has called on the United States to implement tougher sanctions against Russia, as the EU prepares its next sanctions package.

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has urged the United States to adopt stricter sanctions on Russia, arguing that increased pressure is necessary to bring Moscow to the negotiating table.

"Europe is preparing a new sanctions package for the next summit. The United States - meaning (President Donald) Trump, in practice - already has a very tough sanctions package in place. I hope the US will now come to the conclusion that Russia is playing for time, and now is the time to implement those sanctions," Orpo said in an interview with Yle Radio Suomi.

The prime minister reiterated that more sanctions are needed to achieve a ceasefire and initiate a genuine peace process.

"At the moment, I don't believe there's anything else to be done than for the West, the United States and Europe together with like-minded nations, to increase pressure on Russia - to support Ukraine's army in repelling Russia's continued attacks," he said.

Orpo, who visited Kyiv last Wednesday, described the situation in Ukraine as “shocking” and underscored Finland’s support for maintaining everyday life in the war-torn country.

When asked about Finland’s defense capabilities, Orpo added: “If our defence capability is not sufficient in this situation, then we are jeopardising the safety of our entire nation.”

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