In brief
Finnish President Alexander Stubb has declared that Donald Trump is the only leader capable of bringing Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table regarding the war in Ukraine. Stubb emphasized the importance of economic pressure on Russia and expressed Finland's unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and potential EU and NATO membership. He believes the momentum for peace negotiations has increased under Trump's leadership, while also highlighting past failures in Russia's military strategy.
Donald Trump is the only one who can force Russian leader Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table over the war in Ukraine, Finland's president has told the BBC.
Alexander Stubb also said that Finland would never recognise occupied Crimea as part of Russia, and that he wanted to ensure Ukraine became an EU and hopefully NATO member once the war was over.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, President Stubb made these comments ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's meeting with Trump at the White House, stating: I think we can end this war with your help. Meanwhile, Trump announced that Putin has agreed to meet him face-to-face in Hungary.
Trump stated, Putin wants to get it ended. I think that President Zelensky wants to get it ended. Now we have to get it done. Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine's readiness to negotiate, emphasizing the need to pressure Putin to conclude the conflict.
Stubb previously conveyed his skepticism regarding Putin's trustworthiness to Trump during a golf game, insisting that more forceful measures are required to persuade Russia to negotiate. He remarked that in the last eight months of Trump's second term, peace negotiations had progressed faster than in the previous three years.
Stubb indicated that economic measures, including the provision of €200 billion worth of frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, could be pivotal in these discussions. He asserted that the determination of any territorial changes must rest with Ukraine alone and expressed hope that a ceasefire could be achieved soon, leading to a more comprehensive peace agreement. We'll keep on working at it. The key is to engage and try to find solutions and be pragmatic, he concluded.
Stubb reinforced Finland's stance on Ukraine's sovereignty, declaring, The only ones who can decide on the land issue are the Ukrainians themselves. He articulated his vision for Ukraine retaining its independence and territorial integrity as a future EU member state. As discussions continue, Stubb remains hopeful for an immediate ceasefire, striving for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing war.
