NATO leaders support Ukraine’s intensified drone strikes deep within Russia as part of efforts to force Moscow back to the negotiating table, according to The Financial Times.

Axar.az reports that Finland’s president Alexander Stubb made the remarks, arguing that Kyiv is in the “best” position since the war began.

Stubb told the FT that despite worries about possible Russian nuclear escalation, the Ukrainian campaign had changed US strategic thinking on the war and bolstered Kyiv’s negotiating position.

“I think that [all Nato leaders] understand why Ukraine is doing this. Everyone believes that we need to continue to increase the pressure,” said Stubb.

Stubb spoke to the FT on the eve of the Nato leaders’ summit in Ankara, where support for Ukraine will be discussed as Kyiv’s successful missile and drone strikes appear to have strengthened its case among Western backers.

“We are in a fairly good place when it comes to Ukraine because everyone, including our American friends, sees that Ukraine is right now on top on the battlefield. That has changed the strategic thinking also of those who are trying to mediate peace,” Stubb said.

“Ukraine is in a better position, militarily, politically and financially, than they have been at any time in this war. That is why we are seeing a lot of uneasy activity in Russia right now,” he added.