Helsinki (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Finland President Alexander Stubb has stated there is no sign that Russia is willing to negotiate peace in Ukraine, also saying that it is only a matter of time before the US president loses patience with the Russian president.
Last week, shortly after President Donald Trump’s historic meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, eight of the European heads of State came together in a hasty summit at the White House to take stock of what happened at that summit, and the extended consequences of it and the war in Ukraine. This gathering, in the presently modern era, was unique, with so many world leaders in the White House at one time.
What did Finland’s president say about Russia’s stance?
In an interview with the Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat issued on Saturday, Stubb, who was part of the European contingent that visited Washington, stated he does not currently witness any indication that Moscow is ready to mediate a truce or peace.
“This is the main message I am currently trying to convey to U.S. President Donald Trump in our conversations,”
Stubb said, adding:
“They [Russia] want to continue the war at least until the autumn to maximize their own territorial gains.”
Kyiv and its European allies have long cautioned that Moscow might attempt to take more Ukrainian land to bolster its leverage before any potential peace agreement.
Stubb also said that a bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy remains “unlikely” in the near future, adding:
“The Russian delaying tactics continue.”
How might Russia use territorial gains before peace talks?
A few days ago, Alexander Stubb also warned that Russia is clearly looking to extend the war in Ukraine. He warned in talks with the U.S. at a high level after a recent meeting at the White House that Russia’s strategic goals have not changed: to be a superpower, divide the West, and not let Ukraine be independent.
Stubb talked about Russia’s ongoing aggression and how it sought to push or extend the war, causing perpetual harm and instability.
Why does Stubb stress nato security guarantees for Ukraine?
Stubb, whose country shares a lengthy border with Russia and has recently joined NATO—stressed the need for security guarantees for Ukraine, as well as the dangers of ceding Ukrainian land to Russia (comparing it to the US ceding whole states).
He said that Russia’s actions and aspirations are clearly an attempt to prolong the war and not to engage in genuine peace.
