Finland’s President Alexander Stubb has asserted that Donald Trump is the sole figure capable of compelling Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage in peace negotiations regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Stubb emphasized that Finland will never recognize Crimea, Donetsk, or Luhansk as part of Russia. He expressed his commitment to ensuring Ukraine’s future as an EU and NATO member post-war. Stubb’s remarks came ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s meeting with Trump at the White House, where Zelensky appealed for U.S. assistance in ending the war. Trump, in turn, revealed that Putin has agreed to a face-to-face meeting in Hungary, signaling a potential diplomatic breakthrough. Stubb underscored the necessity of applying pressure on Russia to bring them to the negotiating table, contrasting Trump’s earlier ‘carrot’ approach with a more forceful ‘stick’ strategy. He expressed optimism about the progress made in peace negotiations during Trump’s second term, citing economic sanctions and the depletion of Russia’s reserves as critical factors. Stubb also highlighted the importance of U.S. support in providing air defense, intelligence, and operational assistance to Ukraine. He outlined a two-phase peace process, beginning with a ceasefire and followed by extended negotiations, expressing hope for tangible results in the near future.
Trump only one who can force Putin to negotiating table, Finnish president tells BBC
