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 occupied Crimea as part of Russia and expressed his desire to see Ukraine become a member of the EU and potentially NATO after the war concludes.
In a discussion ahead of a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Trump at the White House, Stubb remarked, I think we can end this war with your help. Trump has agreed to meet Putin in Hungary, suggesting potential negotiation avenues.
The US leader commented that both Putin and Zelensky wish to conclude the conflict, indicating a willingness to resolve issues through dialogue.
Stubb argued that Putin would need to be pressured into peace talks, suggesting that the appropriate approach involves using economic leverage rather than negotiating from a position of weakness. The Finnish president believes Trump's recent diplomatic posture is more assertive and could lead to successful negotiations.
Moreover, Stubb emphasized Finland's refusal to accept Putin's territorial claims, insisting that decisions regarding land should be made by the Ukrainians themselves, maintaining Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Stubb expressed optimism regarding the prospects for peace, indicating that recent months have seen substantial progress in negotiations compared to earlier years.
He concluded with the hope of achieving a ceasefire and a long-term peace process in the near future, urging the international community to remain engaged and pragmatic in its approach to the conflict.
