His perspective contrasts with skepticism from officials in Brussels and politicians in European capitals, some of whom dismissed Trump’s claims that Ukraine could reclaim all its territory from Russia as empty rhetoric.
However, Stubb holds more credibility than most in interpreting Trump, having developed a rapport with the American president through their mutual love of golf. When asked what sort of approach Trump would take with Putin, Stubb humorously suggested a “driver.”
“President Trump is working, if not around the clock, then every day to try to end the war,” Stubb stated. “He has 14 clubs in his bag.”
The options range from stricter sanctions, including secondary sanctions, to increased tariffs and even making greater use of the U.S. military’s arsenal of weapons capable of reaching deep into Russian territory.
“You don’t need to read ‘The Art of [the] Deal’ to grasp how President Trump negotiates,” Stubb said. “It’s unconventional but quite results-oriented… If Putin continues to harm civilians in Ukraine after [meeting Trump for a summit in] Alaska on Aug. 15, President Trump is justifiably going to respond.”
Describing himself as “a realistic optimist,” Stubb encouraged Ukraine’s supporters to remain patient. “I have had the opportunity to work closely with President Trump over the past few months,” he noted. “Perhaps optimism is sometimes an intuition, but I believe the current facts on the ground indicate that we are moving in a better direction.”
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