In brief
Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated in a BBC interview that Donald Trump is uniquely positioned to drive Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table over the Ukraine conflict. Stubb expressed optimism for Ukraine's future membership in the EU and NATO, reaffirmed Finland's non-recognition of Russian-occupied Crimea, and called for increased pressure on Russia to conclude the war. He highlighted recent advances in peace talks during Trump's presidency, contrasting with prior diplomatic stagnation.
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 stated that Finland would never recognize Crimea as part of Russia and expressed hopes for Ukraine to join the EU and NATO once the conflict is resolved.
Speaking ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's meeting with Trump at the White House on Friday, Stubb remarked, 'I think we can end this war with your help.'
During the meeting, Trump mentioned that Putin had agreed to meet with him face-to-face in Hungary, indicating a potential path to discussions about peace.
'The US leader said on Friday that Putin wants to get it ended. I think that President Zelensky wants to get it ended. Now we have to get it done.'
Stubb highlighted that economic pressures are needed to compel Russia to come to the peace negotiations, compared to softer diplomatic approaches that have not yielded results. He asserted that Putin's strategic moves have largely failed and emphasized the importance of Ukraine retaining its territorial integrity post-conflict.
'What we need is not so much the power of the carrot to convince Russia to the negotiating table, it's more of the stick that will bring them,' Stubb said.
He reaffirmed Finland’s stance that only Ukrainians should decide the future of their territories. Stubb expressed optimism about moving forward with a two-phase peace process, aiming for a ceasefire and then extended peace talks.
