President Sauli Niinistö held his final press conference as Finland's head of state on Thursday afternoon.
The 75-year-old political veteran's two-term, 12-year presidency will come to an end on Friday.
After initial statements at the press conference Niinistö answered reporters' questions — with a number of them concerning Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine.
Niinistö said that Europe needs to be more active in supporting Ukraine, regardless of how the US presidential election turns out — referring to the different levels of support for Ukraine among Democrats and Republicans in the United States.
Earlier this month, Republican presidential candidate frontrunner Donald Trump said that if Nato attacked a Nato country that had not met its financial obligations to the defence alliance that he would not support defending the country and would even encourage Russia's attack.
Niinistö said he was suspicious about Russian President Vladimir Putin's threat of using nuclear weapons if Nato became involved in the Ukraine conflict.
"Now and then Russia talks about nuclear weapons. You have to be somewhat suspicious about that. They take every advantage they can in the things they say," Niinistö said, adding that he does not foresee a growing nuclear threat.
"But talking about nuclear weapons is a very serious matter. [The use of] nuclear weapons would destroy the country," he said.
Niinistö also said he was certain that Sweden would become a member of Nato, maybe within a month.
"No damage was done, even if Finland and Sweden did not become members at the same time," he said.
At the beginning of his meeting with the press, Niinistö expressed how much it meant to meet ordinary citizens while he was president.
"They trusted me and I had to do my best. It is the most important feeling that I carry after these 12 years. I want to thank so many people for all the help and support I've received — and above all for the contact I have had with them. That feeling remains," Niinist said.
President-elect Alexander Stubb will be sworn in on Friday as Niinistö will take his first steps back into civilian life.
Yle will cover the inauguration and associated ceremonies on the web, TV and radio on Friday, starting at 11:30am.
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