As Finns choose a new president, one thing is certain: A hard line on Russia will continue

Finns on Sunday will choose either of two experienced politicians to be their next head of state, whose main task will be to steer the new NATO member’s foreign and security policy. Ex-Prime Minister Alexander Stubb, on the center right, and former Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto, from the green left, largely agree on Finland’s foreign policy and security priorities, which include a hard line on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine. Tiny differences in style and approach have started to show, however, in the last days of campaigning. Polls put Stubb ahead in the presidential race, which is likely to come down to support from two smaller conservative parties.