He actually answers the questions he's being asked. Quite refreshing for a politician.

Gotta love how he speaks. No exaggerating, dramatising. Simple and reasonable. Seems like a good man. Wishing Finland all the best and be safe!

wow what a president, calm and intellegent person, Finland definitely choosen a very good leader, God Bless Finland

Can not fault the honesty of this man 🙏

Finland is an independent & free country. They can decide to join or not. 🇫🇮

The thing with our Finnish president is that he sees himself as equal as anyother finn and is not above anyone. Care about everybody else. This was really seen a few years ago when he travelled from Finland he was in economy class on the aircraft reading a newspaper or when he went on a for him interesting event at a auditorium and the seats were full so he saw that and sat down in the staircase and was 100% fine with that and didnt want to disturb anyone or when he was as a president shoveling snow from his own home and journalists photographed him and basicly told them that its fun to do these normal things. Theres alot of high rank people that can learn from him!

America needs politicians like him. Straight to the point.. Can not fault the honesty of this man .

I have no regret voting for him.. Greetings from Helsinki/ Finland 🇫🇮

The Finn's are sensible,cool and logical and so their President is truly a gentleman.Finns must be proud of President Ninisto 🙏🏼

As a Swede, I agree with him; this is a time where our +200 years of neutrality must end. We don't feel threatened by Russia, but as a member of NATO, we can help taking a stand against terror.

Thank you to the President of Finland for taking the time to address the American people.

I love the way he didn't allow her repetitious pressure to admit fear of attack have any affect on his responses. Good man. Bad newslady.

Refreshingly honest, calm and balanced. Pity there are not more leaders like him in politics.

Mr Niinisto seems to be an honest and down-to-earth leader. Respecting others and not yielding to pressure by any other nation. Finland will definitely be an asset to NATO.

I love this guy. Fins are truly blessed to have such a president 🙏 He's an absolute gentleman but on the other hand "a sterne and solid leader " who doesn't take any shit from Russia lol He knows his people and represents them collectively "very well"

Nothing but respect to you Finland and your president I can't say as much for our president greetings from the USA

Finland's president seems extremely well spoken, intelligent, calm, rational and oriented towards finding solutions. I wish my country (Austria) had such politicians... He's of an exceedingly rare sort in central Europe and the western world in general.

Now that's a leader. Cool, calm, collected. 🤤

So nice to hear from sivilized people a around the world! im proud to be Finnish, lived there 31 years im allso citizen of USA lived here 31 years! i miss sraight talking Finns.

I wish my country (Canada) could have a well spoken leader like him. Our past few prime ministers from my experience would often beat around the bush for not knowing how to reply certain questions.

I think you can basically sum this up by the saying "It's better to be safe then sorry". He doesn't necessarily think Russia would attack Finland but he's taking the safe option that also puts Finland in a better position to make a positive change in the world and lead humanity to peaceful times.

Quite few president in the world have such a high level of knowledge, humanity and sincerity as Niinisto. Congratulations to Finland 🇫🇮

We had a Fin guy for a roommate one semester in college and he was awesome, great guy and straight forward like president speaking.

Sauli Niinistö. What a refreshing, mature, stable and wise leader. Unlike some of the theatrical idiots we've had in the west recently.

As a Finn, I think Sauli Niinistö represents us very well. He's level-headed, composed and rational, which are typical Finnish characteristics. He's able to face Putin and tell him how things are. His English is also quite decent for someone of his age.

I've watched 3 Sauli press/news conversations. What a well spoken, direct, transparent and clear human being! A true Leader!

I saw this one when it first came on and now I look back at it after Finland has joined and it's a good thing.

1:10 .... his smile and laugh as he said them words that is a man that feels challenged and accepted that challenge

He said Finland was fine to be neutral until Putin decided to threaten and take the choice from them. Why is the reporter trying to say they were afraid when they are actually standing directly against the bully? I applaud Finland.

President Sauli Niinistö is such a level headed person and I greatly appreciate his expertise in what he is doing. Great to have him and Sanna Marin as well 🇫🇮

Finland, a country with boys of the tougher kind. Its president holds the military rank of Captain.

Yes, let us hope that things change for the better. I agree.

As a French man, I would like to welcome Finland and the wonderful Finnish people

I like this guy. Honest, yet diplomatic. Concerned for the safety of his people and the Norse lands.

Finland and the other Nordic countries have my deepest respect for their rights to exist as a free Nation God bless you

I like this Finland President! Very natural respond to questions. Steady and calm!

I like Finland's president. He doesn't bend over for the fascists. Solid guy

President Niinistö sets a new standard for politicians worldwide! I wish his demeanor would be recognized universally.

America needs politicians like him. Straight to the point.. I have no regret voting for him.. Greetings from Helsinki/ Finland .

A SOLID MAN GOD BLESS HIM

I adore Finnish people. Cool, calm, logical and compassionate. They are quiet, but when they speak, you damn well better listen. Their president is no less than Mr. Spock himself lol. Live long and prosper Suomi friends!

This is why countries like Finland are as good as they are. Incredibly down to earth, none of the unnecessary posturing and constant drama. While some governments get stuck in an endless cycle of blame and redirect, riling up people against each other, countries like Finland just, you know, move on and make good things happen.

It is an honour to see and listen to the Finnish president. He's a nice caring guy.

More have watched this video than live in Finland.

It's not up to Russia it's up to Finland. Everyone should be free to make their own decisions and own way in life.

That's a cool President you got there Finland.

interesting gentleman. I miss civilized discussion, here in the USA we have lost our way to a world that gets crazier every day it feels. I would want to help protect/defend a country full of people like that.

A visionary leader prepares to protect the nation before it’s security is compromised….

What a breath of fresh air. Question- answer. Respectful, diplomatic and I felt honest. My heart and respect goes out to all those leaders who are balancing this with care. The enormity and complexity of this is staggering. Thank you from a humble citizen of the World.

Seriously impressed with the way the Finnish President speaks, an his stances here, what a bold, intelligent, well spoken man, need a dozen more like him.

I want to move in findland .. from PH 🇵🇭

Great questions and great answers!

Finland has a great leader. He chooses his words very carefully when answering these questions. He's a very wise man.

The Finnish President should become Putin’s therapist . And teach him how to be cool , calm , collected and not be so reactive ... Love you Finland 🇫🇮..

To everyone else applauding President Niinistö in this interview; his disposition is not only exemplary of leadership but also of statesmanship & diplomacy. He is a president more than worthy of a NATO member nation and Finland must be welcomed to the alliance.

In the US we value tribalistic cynicism over honesty and accountability. We'll get better public servants when we begin to express better values as a society.

President Niinisto is the real deal, calmly gave his reasons, no exaggeration like most politicians. Basically No BullShit, like most politicians.🇫🇮💪🏻

Dear Finnish and Swedish Friends, Peoples of Turkey welcome you and will be honored to create a better peaceful world for our children and their children. Peace!...

Mind English is his 2nd language, so I'm very impressed how he spoke

God u president God bless Finland 🎁🎉💕👏😘🪖🇦🇷✅✌️

Sauli Niinistö is a replica of every Finns. I know this for a fact because I've lived with them for over 15 years. Intelligent, rational, strong-willed, positively stubborn, humble, and honest people. Oh, I forgot to say SHY. Rakastan Suomi!

This gentleman and leader of Finland is a strong person. God bless Finland and it’s people ! We support freedom and being free !

My great grandparents are from finland

I’m very surprised on the interviewer. She should have used the word concerned instead of the word worried! It made her sound like she was insinuating that the Finland president weak or scared. Personally CNN should’ve use somebody else for the interview.

Smart and careful in his statements. The point that stands out for me is that Russia is forcing their hand by trying to remove their free will in the matter.

What is refreshing to me is FINALLY seeing an interviewer know when to shut up and just let the person being interviewed speak.

I like this President. To the point. Greetings from the US.

As a fin, im so proud to hear your positive comments about are president Sauli Niinistö, He and our prime minister Sanna Marin are possibly best leaders for us at this time!

One thing all these reporters never touch on is that Finland held a pole and 75% for the people who took part in the vote 🗳 wanted their country to join NATO this is what changed, Finland is a Democracy and follows what the majority of people want. All these reporters are acting like it is the Prime Minister giving the yes to joining when it is the people overwhelmingly

This is the first time I have heard a politician answer questions with direct and honest answers. Kudos to Finland 🇫🇮 President.

When you cheat at chess, you've already lost. What an awful mess. It's 2023 guys. Travelled to Finland a few years ago. Great country and wonderful people.

God bless Finland 🙏

As a Finnish citizen, I can confirm he actually is exactly like represented on this interview. I notice he isn't quite as well-spoken in English as he is in Finnish, but he's been super nice to everyone around him. Then again, Finland has had very similar history as far as the presidents go: not confrontational at all.

Fun fact: Many people in Finland want to alter current legislation so that Niinistö could serve a third term as president, even though Niinistö himself is very much opposed to the idea.

God bless Finland!

1:44 third times she's trying to put words in his mouth

During the Winter War a Soviet general hears someone shouting from the woods - "One Finnish soldier is better than ten Soviet". Angry, the general sends ten man to deal with annoying Fin. After a brief period of shots and dying Soviet's screams, comes another shout - "One Finnish soldier is better than one hundred Soviet". So the general sends one hundred soldiers and again none of them comes back. Then the general hears a third shout - "One Finnish soldier is better than a thousand Soviets". Furious, the general sends a thousand men to deal with him. Soon a great battle is heard from the woods, then a silence, then the panicked voice of the last surviving Soviet, "Don't send any more troops, it's a trap...there's two of them!"

Very good answer - that Putin was taking away Finland's free will choice before the invasion of Ukraine. And with the invasion, there was no room for being "nonaligned". Good answers. Finland must protect itself given the actions of Russia.

who made these subtitles

When a mass bar fight kicks off don't go for the calmest guy in the room who is keeping himself to himself

I like this president. Calm, collected and without unnecessary speech

I love ❤️ this guy. He’s a definition of how a leader should be. Calm, open and simple.

Good for you Sauli

I sincerely appreciate your candid comments, President Niinisto. And it begs a point with me. Why wouldn't Russia, for the betterment of their own society and people want to also join NATO. This isn't about a pissing match with USA, it's about many nations seeking security and a better future. Peace and collaboration have always demonstrated life improves for all with cooperation. Obviously, Putin and his old regime guard don't think so. Best regards to you and Finland. I think the Russian people (if they were free to think for themselves) would share their wishes to belong to a peaceful alliance with other nations that believe in peace and humanity. I totally welcome Finland to the nations who collectively stand together for freedom.

President Niinistö has become something of a global hero and media star - by trying hard not to be. He does it by clearly and calmly telling truths without spin, embellishment, self-promotion or self-regard. If only our politicians could learn that not only is this good for your country, but it will also actually make you popular!

Imagine how nice it must be having a well-spoken leader who can form coherent sentences and give a great interview. Must be nice

Everyone pray for them pray for peace

Why don´t we all have such leaders? Wow, and BRAVO

Bottom line is that a sovereign nation can decide its own course. If Putin didn't want these countries to join NATO, then he should have offered something other than threats, violence and corruption.

The questions seemed a bit too, "Please say something, controversial, and boost our ratings." President Niinostö handled it wonderfully.

He’s looking out for his people! He’s a good president! Sometimes you just have to pick a side.

How do I watch this game

I'm really surprised how people are amazed that President speaks briefly and honestly - don't politicians should be like him? It should be a norm : you ask precise question, they answer directly.

"You did this, look at the mirror" What a mic drop from this President earlier, with calm and cool

Oh yes anyone does not get the news. Finland is now a part of NATO 4 April 2023.

Welcome Finland from Belgium

As a Norwegian l have 100 percent confidence in the Finnish people and their military capabilities if a dangerous situation occurred.

Much love to Finland and Sweden from Ukraine, they doing a right thing by joining NATO, it's hard to stay neutral with unpredictable neighbour like this.

Yes it's well known fact together we stand divided we fall

Look like a reasonable and calm guy