Stubb promotes cadets in Helsinki amid warning on Europe's security environment

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb promoted cadets at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki on 28 August 2026 and appointed them to officer posts. He congratulated the cadets on completing their Bachelor of Military Sciences degree and said all cadets holding the rank of Second Lieutenant and Ensign were promoted to Lieutenant and assigned to officer or fixed-term junior officer positions.

Sponsored

Stubb told the cadets they were entering a career aimed at safeguarding Finland "in a time characterised by uncertainty and conflicts all over the world." He said Finland's security environment has been in a state of flux since Russia invaded Ukraine, adding that the change affects not only Finland but Europe at large. He said Finland continues to work with allies to bring about peace in Ukraine.

The president said modern forms of warfare have increasingly appeared in neighbouring areas as Ukraine defends its freedom. He said hybrid warfare is part of the security environment and called on the Defence Forces to maintain alertness and cool heads.

He also said Finland is taking care of its defence capability and readiness while influencing European security through NATO and the EU. Stubb told the young officers that taking the Cadet Oath made them part of an honourable chain of generations and committed them to devote their work and lives to their country.

Sponsored

He said military careers under alliance membership are more involved in international relations than before, creating new opportunities to bear Finland's flag and demonstrate Finnish expertise in allied and partnership countries. He also warned that technological advances, particularly artificial intelligence, will have a huge impact on the Defence Forces as they develop new capabilities.

Stubb urged the cadets to stay curious, maintain an open mind, and keep physical condition and stamina, which he said matters both for their own wellbeing and as an example for conscripts. He thanked the rector, lecturers and staff of the Finnish National Defence University, saying their work keeps Finnish military expertise among the best in the world.

#PresidentialPalace #Helsinki #AlexanderStubb #NATO #FinnishNationalDefenceUniversity

Sponsored